Retrial Began for 1997 Bakersfield Rape Case
The retrial of Michael Allen Fontes for a 1997 attack on Cari Anderson has resumed in Bakersfield.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Sex Crimes
A retrial began for Michael Allen Fontes, 53, who is accused of the 1997 rape and attempted murder of Cari Anderson. The victim was found beaten behind a maintenance yard in Bakersfield after leaving a bar.
Why it matters
The legal proceedings stem from a cold case where DNA evidence eventually identified a suspect decades after the victim was found unconscious. The case carries significant weight as the victim, who suffered permanent injuries from the attack, passed away in 2021.
Michael Allen Fontes remains the primary defendant in this retrial following his initial 2023 court appearance. The current proceedings follow an outcome where the previous jury reached acquittals on sodomy counts but remained deadlocked on other charges.
The players
Michael Allen Fontes
He is the 53-year-old defendant currently standing trial for the 1997 rape and attempted murder of Cari Anderson.
Cari Anderson
She was the victim of a 1997 attack who suffered permanent injuries and later passed away in 2021 at the age of 63.
The details
Cari Anderson was discovered unconscious behind the Golden Empire Transit maintenance yard on November 24, 1997, after reportedly leaving the Buckhorn Bar with two men. Prosecutors utilized DNA matching to identify the 53-year-old Fontes as a suspect in the long-standing investigation.
Timeline
November 23, 1997: Cari Anderson was attacked after leaving a local bar.
November 24, 1997: The victim was found unconscious near a maintenance yard.
2021: Cari Anderson died after living with permanent injuries.
2023: The first trial resulted in a hung jury on several charges.
October 6, 2026: The retrial of Michael Allen Fontes resumed.
Legal Context
This case follows the precedent set by the 2023 first trial for Michael Allen Fontes, which resulted in a partial acquittal. The current retrial reflects ongoing efforts to resolve the outstanding charges from the initial deadlocked jury.
The ongoing retrial serves as a reminder to the local community regarding the long-term prosecution of cold cases in the area. Residents may see continued media presence and public monitoring of court schedules as the legal process moves toward a resolution.
The takeaway
Advancements in DNA technology continue to play a critical role in bringing decades-old cold cases to trial. This case underscores the enduring nature of justice and the importance of forensic evidence in identifying suspects long after an incident occurs.
Further reading
For additional updates on local legal proceedings, visit the Bakersfield Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGET 17.
