Arrest in Bakersfield Hit-and-Run Death

Arrest Made in Fatal Bakersfield Hit-and-Run on Camino Media

Authorities have announced an arrest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that tragically claimed the life of 47-year-old Jared Paul Mitchell in Bakersfield. According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on October 12 along the 7900 block of Camino Media. Officers responding to reports found Mr. Mitchell deceased in the roadway. Early investigative findings suggested he had been struck by a vehicle, and the driver was not present at the scene.

Following a weeks-long investigation, police reported that on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, they arrested 38-year-old Nicholas Aguirre Jr. on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and hit-and-run causing injury. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility. As with any criminal proceeding, the charges are allegations, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances of the collision, including how the incident occurred and the sequence of events leading up to the impact.

What Investigators Have Reported So Far

- Date and time: Approximately 8:00 a.m., October 12
- Location: 7900 block of Camino Media, Bakersfield, California
- Victim: Jared Paul Mitchell, 47, found deceased at the scene
- Initial findings: Evidence indicated a vehicle strike; the involved driver and vehicle were not located immediately
- Arrest: On November 19, 2025, authorities arrested a 38-year-old suspect on suspicion of DUI-related vehicular manslaughter and felony hit-and-run
- Status: Ongoing investigation by the Bakersfield Police Department

California Hit-and-Run and DUI Manslaughter: Understanding the Charges

California law requires any driver involved in a collision to stop, provide identifying and insurance information, and render reasonable aid when someone is injured. Leaving the scene where someone is hurt or killed is a felony. When allegations of intoxication are involved, prosecutors may file charges such as vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, which carry significant criminal penalties if proven.

Key points for California drivers:
- Duty to stop: Drivers must stop at the scene and exchange information with parties involved and law enforcement.
- Felony hit-and-run: When injury or death occurs, leaving the scene can be charged as a felony.
- DUI-related consequences: If impairment is alleged, separate DUI and manslaughter charges may be filed. Criminal penalties are distinct from—but can overlap with—civil liability.

Criminal Case vs. Civil Wrongful Death Lawsuit

Criminal proceedings focus on whether a crime occurred and appropriate punishment. A civil wrongful death action is separate and seeks financial accountability for the losses a family suffers due to negligence or wrongdoing.

- Different standards of proof: Criminal cases require proof beyond a reasonable doubt; civil cases require proof by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not).
- Independent timelines: A civil case can proceed regardless of criminal charges, a plea, or a verdict.
- Parties involved: The district attorney prosecutes criminal cases. In civil cases, the victim’s family (or estate) pursues claims against the at-fault parties and their insurers.

The arrest in this heartbreaking Bakersfield hit-and-run brings a crucial step toward accountability, but it cannot erase the profound loss suffered by the family and loved ones of Jared Paul Mitchell. Hit-and-run collisions—especially those involving suspected impairment—leave communities shaken and families searching for answers that may take months or even years to fully uncover. As the criminal case moves forward, investigators will continue piecing together the events that led to this tragedy, ensuring that every detail is examined and that the justice system is given the information it needs to determine responsibility.

At Avian Law Group, we stand with families affected by fatal collisions, particularly those compounded by allegations of DUI or fleeing the scene. While criminal proceedings focus on punishment, families often need clarity, financial support, and a path toward healing—needs that the civil legal system is designed to address. Our team is committed to helping surviving families navigate wrongful death claims, understand their rights, and pursue the compensation they deserve for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the immeasurable emotional toll of losing a loved one.

If your family has been impacted by a fatal hit-and-run or DUI-related crash, Avian Law Group is here to offer experienced guidance, compassionate advocacy, and steadfast support throughout every stage of the legal process.