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Accused child killer Kaleb Kessinger facing new charges

Posted at 12:43 PM, Jun 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-06-13 16:12:42-04

UPDATE (1:10 p.m.): Kaleb Kessinger is due back in court on August 8 and 9. While his girlfriend, Ayled Chavez will be back in court July 5.  

 

Kaleb Kessinger, the man accused in the death of a two-year-old, is now facing new charges. 

According to the Kern County Superior Court's website, Kessinger now faces grand theft; possession of an assault rifle; manufacturing/sale/possession of a large capacity magazine; causing pain, suffering or injury to an elder or dependent adult; and receiving known stolen property charges. 

According to a probably cause declaration from the Bakersfield Police Department, the charges stem from an incident in February where Kessinger allegedly took his 87-year-old grandfather to the store. While at the store, documents show that Kessinger reached into his grandfather's pants pocket and took out his wallet, which had $1,200. Kessinger ran off and left his grandfather behind. 

Documents show that Kessinger was on active probation with search terms for narcotics and stolen property. Investigators showed up to his home and began searching his room. Police found a Glock .40 cal. handgun, which was reported stolen. The gun was loaded. Police also found a "80% homemade .223 cal. assault rifle, which had a loaded detachable magazine, fixed stock, no bullet button, pistol grip and a barrel length of approximately 11 inches."

Police also found an AK47-style rifle with a loaded detachable magazine, no bullet button. Also found was a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, a 28-round loaded Glock magazine and numerous rounds of ammo. 

Police also found "gang indicia" on the wall of his room, which included a picture of a deceased West Side Crips gang member. 

Documents show that Kessinger had "numerous contacts" with members of the West Side Crips. It's also believed that Kessinger is member or associate of the West Side Crips and "had the firearms in benefit of, at the direction of or the association of the West Side Crip criminal street gang."

Kessinger, along with his girlfriend Ayled Chavez face first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of Ramon Angel Reyes-Chavez back in April.

Officials say Kessinger buried the boy in the Kern River Canyon after his death, leading to a days-long manhunt.

Both Kessinger and Chavez are scheduled to be in court Wednesday.