BAKERSFIELD, CA - The search continues for at least two gunmen, Kern County Sheriff's investigators say shot and killed three men Wednesday night in an east Bakersfield apartment. A fourth man shot is in serious but stable condition.
The Sheriff's Department has not released the names of any of the victims. But, David Watkins says his brother, Daniel, was one of the men killed.
"He's the spitting image of me. When I look in the mirror I can't, I can't help but see him," said David Watkins, crying over the sudden loss of his younger brother.
Just after 11 p.m. Wednesday, investigators say at least two men came to an apartment on Quincy Street while it was full of adults and children.
"These suspects were disguised. They wore masks. They apparently for some reason targeted this apartment or these victims, forced entry and then began shooting at occupants," said Ray Pruitt, Public Information Officer with the Kern County Sheriff's Office.
Four men were hit. Twenty-two-year old Daniel Watkins was one. The father of a six-year-old daughter, and expecting another baby in three months. He and two other men died at Kern Medical Center.
"I'm just going to miss the fun times we had, no matter, no matter what we did," said David Watkins.
The Watkins brothers shared a passion for music. Daniel was climbing the ranks as artist Rezzo Sway Giggz. And, he was practicing with other artists when he was killed. On Thursday, there was splintered wood where the door was kicked in, bullet holes in the wall, paramedic equipment, and signs of his last performance.
"It's a pretty brazen attack, and these types of suspects are particularly dangerous," said Pruitt.
Investigators say the area where the shooting occurred is known for gang activity. But, David says his brother had no ties or enemies.
"I feel like that was our gift, but our curse was that sometimes we feel like since we don't have enemies, we feel like we are safe no matter where we are," said David.
Detectives don't have a motive or know if there was a relationship between the victims and gunmen. They do know the suspects are dangerous, still out there and still causing pain.
"I have to be strong for him. I know he's, I know he's watching me," said David Watkins.
The Sheriff's Department wants to hear from anyone who thinks they have information on this case. You can call 861-3110 or the Secret Witness hotline 322-4040.