Mitchell Lee Farley Obituary, Death Cause: A man who was found dead earlier this month in Bakersfield has been identified by the Kern County Coroner’s Office as 38-year-old Mitchell Lee Farley, a resident of the area. According to officials, Farley was discovered on the evening of July 12, 2025, on the 800 block of Beardsley Avenue with fatal injuries.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were dispatched to the scene at approximately 8 p.m. after receiving a call about a person who had suffered trauma. When they arrived, they found Farley with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. The coroner’s office later confirmed that Farley had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene around 8:28 p.m.

Due to the nature of the death, homicide detectives from the Kern County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation. After an initial inquiry, authorities arrested 46-year-old Darin Lee Williford in connection with the homicide. He is now facing charges related to Farley’s death.

The motive behind the shooting has not been made public, and authorities have not released additional details regarding what led up to the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not said whether the victim and suspect knew each other prior to the shooting.

Farley’s death adds to the growing list of homicide investigations in the Bakersfield area this year. Law enforcement continues to urge anyone who may have information about the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed whether any weapons were recovered at the scene or during the arrest of Williford. Likewise, they have not revealed if there were any witnesses to the shooting or if surveillance footage is being reviewed as part of the investigation.

As the community processes another tragic loss, law enforcement officials are working to gather all necessary evidence to ensure justice is served in the case.