Plea deal reached in 2020 homicide
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — A man who faced a charge of first-degree murder stemming from a shooting in 2020 has pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter.
Dion Henry Thomas, 22, also pleaded no contest Tuesday to shooting at an inhabited dwelling and gun possession by a felon, according to court records. In a separate case, he pleaded no contest to another count of gun possession by a felon.
Prosecutors say he faces a total of 15 years in prison at his June 5 sentencing.
On the morning of Oct. 30, 2020, deputies were dispatched to a report of a body — later identified as that of Adam Garcia, 22 — lying in the roadway near the intersection of Edison and Muller roads.
The night before the body was found, a witness told investigators, Thomas shot at a residence where Garcia stood outside. The two then left in a vehicle.
Thomas had been angry with Garcia and wanted revenge, the witness said according to court filings, believing he’d been “set up” in a fight where Garcia hadn’t supported him.
Thomas was arrested in early 2022. He’s been in custody since.
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