Fernando Torres Moreno was just trying to escape. The 12-year-old boy ran toward a lake at a California City park as two dogs linked to Kenneth Dobbins pursued him through the grass on June 18, according to authorities. He never came out of the water alive.
Background
The tragedy unfolded around 6 p.m. at a park in California City, a Kern County community situated approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Witnesses reported that two off-leash dogs began chasing Fernando as he tried to flee their pursuit. Desperate to escape the animals, the boy entered the lake.
Emergency responders with the California City Police Department arrived to find Fernando submerged in the water. Officers pulled him from the lake and performed CPR at the scene before paramedics transported him to a hospital in Tehachapi Valley. He was later transferred to Children's Hospital in Bakersfield, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries, according to reports cited by the Los Angeles Times.
Fernando's death sent shockwaves through the small community of California City, leaving residents grappling with how a routine afternoon at the park could end so tragically for a child.
The Investigation
California City police identified dogs linked to Dobbins as the animals involved in the chase. Investigators spent days building their case before seeking charges against the 68-year-old Antelope Valley man.
Kenneth Dobbins was arrested Thursday in Lancaster by Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies after a civilian tip led authorities directly to him. The caller spotted Dobbins walking near a workplace and alerted police, enabling deputies to quickly locate and take him into custody without incident.
Dobbins is facing two charges: involuntary manslaughter and negligent ownership of a mischievous animal, according to booking records and charging documents from the Kern County District Attorney's office.
Key Takeaways
- Fernando Torres Moreno, 12, died June 18 after jumping into a lake at California City park while being chased by dogs
- Kenneth Dobbins, 68, was arrested Thursday in Lancaster following a civilian tip to law enforcement
- He faces one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of negligent ownership of a mischievous animal
- The boy was initially taken to Tehachapi Valley Hospital before being transferred to Children's Hospital in Bakersfield where he died from injuries
- California City is located in Kern County, approximately 100 miles north of Los Angeles
What's Next
Dobbins remains in custody pending his arraignment on the felony charges. The case will be prosecuted by the Kern County District Attorney's Office. Authorities have not disclosed whether any additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues into Dobbins' history with the dogs involved.