A 20-year-old man was stabbed to death inside a Valley Plaza Target in Bakersfield, California, after allegedly attempting to break up a fight that spilled into the store from the parking lot. Aden Aguilar died hours after the incident, which authorities say involved a 33-year-old suspect charged with first-degree murder.
Background
The incident occurred on a Friday night when an altercation began between several people, including the victim and the suspect, in the Target parking lot. According to the Bakersfield Police Department, the dispute continued into the retail store, where Aguilar was injured. A knife believed to be used in the offense was located nearby.
Aguilar’s mother, Aldennisha Rowel, told local NBC affiliate KGET that her son was not the aggressor but rather a bystander trying to help. "He was trying to help," Rowel said. "My beloved son, Aden Aguilar, was tragically killed while trying to stop a fight." A friend who was with Aguilar that night delivered the news to his mother, initially describing the injury to the chest area before confirming the severity of the situation.
The Charges
Bakersfield Police have charged 33-year-old Brett Oleary with first-degree murder in connection with Aguilar's death. Court records indicate that Oleary has a prior criminal history dating back to 2013, including previous charges for assault with a deadly weapon, child cruelty, robbery, theft, and terrorist-related crimes.
Police have not publicly disclosed the specific cause of the initial altercation in the parking lot, noting only that the investigation revealed the victim and suspect were involved in the dispute. The details of Aguilar’s intervention have primarily been shared by his family.
Key Takeaways
- Aden Aguilar, 20, was fatally stabbed at a Valley Plaza Target in Bakersfield, CA.
- Suspect Brett Oleary, 33, has been charged with first-degree murder.
- The altercation began in the parking lot and moved inside the store.
- Aguilar's family alleges he was trying to break up the fight when he was injured.
- Oleary has a prior criminal record including assault with a deadly weapon and robbery.
- A knife believed to be the murder weapon was found near the scene.
What's Next
Bakersfield Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the parking lot altercation. As the case moves through the Kern County court system, prosecutors will proceed with the first-degree murder charge against Oleary. The suspect's extensive prior record, including previous violent offenses, may play a significant role in the legal proceedings and sentencing considerations. Aguilar's family has expressed a desire to forgive the suspect, with Rowel stating she does not want to spread hate.