More than a year after Hector Manuel Prado Jr. was found shot to death in a field near Wasco, Kern County investigators say the case remains unsolved and they are renewing their appeal for public help. The 40-year-old was discovered on October 23, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in an open field southwest of West Lerdo Highway and Wildwood Road, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
An autopsy later determined that Prado Jr. died of multiple gunshot wounds, with the Kern County Coroner's Office ruling the death a homicide, according to bakersfieldnow.com. The Kern County Sheriff's Office is investigating his death, as reported by kget.com.
Detectives Renew Call for Tips
In its latest appeal, as detailed by KBAK/KBFX, the Kern County Sheriff's Office is seeking public help with the homicide investigation. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Plaza at (661) 861-3110.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Kern Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040. The sheriff's office has not released any details about a suspect or a possible motive in Prado Jr.'s killing.
Case Remains Open
The field where Prado Jr. was found sits in a rural stretch of Kern County near Wasco, an area investigators continue to canvass for leads as the case stretches past the one-year mark with no public resolution.
