Family, friends mourn death of teen

BAKERSFIELD, CA- Family and friends are in mourning after the violent and mysterious death of a 13-year-old boy. He was found shot to death Tuesday morning in southeast Bakersfield. Friends describe Cortez Batiste as a kind and loving young teen.

17 News caught up with Batiste's family friends walking down the railroad tracks to the spot the 13-year-old was found. They laid candles at the site where he was gunned down praying and crying.

Pastor Manuel Carrizales, a longtime community advocate prayed with the grieving friends asking God to soothe Batiste's family.

"He won't be getting off the school bus tomorrow. He won't be getting a hot lunch. This why we're here," said Carrizales, the director of Stay Focused Ministries.

Police say the 8th grader's body was found by a stranger around 1 a.m Tuesday. But gunshots were heard by neighbors around 11p.m., the night before. Family and friends said Batiste was riding his bike home from a friend's house.

"You know a 13 year old," said Carrizales. "I'm still like in shock because of what happened and gathering my thoughts."

The Bakersfield City School District said Bastiste was student at Curran Middle School. BCSD said students there have not yet been informed of their classmates death but spokesperson Steve Gabbitas said a full crisis management team, including a psychologist, will be at school Wednesday for the kids.

Carrizales said he spoke to Batiste as a school event just one week ago.

"He was always laughing but a 13 year old kid that's what you would expect, " said Carrizales. "It's sad you know."

But Carrizales said he wants to turn this tragedy into a unity. Starting Wednesday he plans to call on all Bakersfield churches band together to prevent more tragedies like the death of Cortez Batiste.

"We have to bring awareness to the community of what's taking place, what's happening," said Carrizales.

Family and friends said two car washes will be held Wednesday to help the family pay for funeral expenses. One will be at an unknown location in southwest and the other, near or at Elks Lodge at 1414 East California at 10 a.m.

Police said they have no suspects and do not know if Bastiste's death is gang related.

Anyone with information is asked to call BPD at 327-7111.