Reward Offered for Suspect in 2023 Bakersfield Murder
Kern Secret Witness is offering $15,000 for tips leading to the shooter in the death of Johnasen Crummie.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Violence
Kern Secret Witness has announced a $15,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the individual responsible for the 2023 shooting death of Johnasen Crummie. The suspect remains at large, while an accomplice who served as the driver has already been sentenced.
Why it matters
Investigators hope the reward will incentivize members of the community to come forward with information regarding the shooter. Identifying this individual is the final step in resolving the case following the conviction of the driver involved.
Darius Key, the driver in the incident, was sentenced in July 2025 to 40 years to life in prison. The search for the primary shooter continues, with the public urged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department or Kern Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.
The players
Kern Secret Witness
This is a local organization that facilitates anonymous tips from the public to assist law enforcement agencies with criminal investigations.
Bakersfield Police Department
This agency is the primary law enforcement body responsible for investigating crimes and maintaining public safety within the city of Bakersfield.
Darius Key
He is the convicted driver in the shooting who was sentenced to prison for his role in the attack.
Johnasen Crummie
He is the individual who was killed during the shooting incident that occurred on Clifton Avenue.
The details
The February 11, 2023, shooting occurred outside an apartment in the 200 block of Clifton Avenue, leaving Johnasen Crummie dead and a second victim permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Police successfully identified Key as the getaway driver, but the actual shooter has not yet been identified by law enforcement.
Timeline
February 11, 2023: Johnasen Crummie was shot and killed on Clifton Avenue.
July 2025: Darius Key was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for his role in the murder.
Legal Context
The case follows the closure of the Darius Key case by seeking the remaining perpetrator. This reward offer reflects the broader practice of using community-funded incentives to resolve cold or partially unsolved violent crimes in the Bakersfield area.
Residents of the Clifton Avenue neighborhood and the broader Bakersfield community are asked to contact authorities if they have any information regarding the shooting. This effort aims to improve public safety by bringing the remaining suspect involved in this violent attack to justice.
The takeaway
Communities often play a critical role in solving violent crimes when investigators have exhausted leads on secondary participants. Residents should remain vigilant and utilize established anonymous tip lines to share relevant information with local authorities.
Further reading
For more updates on local law enforcement efforts, visit the Bakersfield Violence section.
