Bakersfield Target Stabbing: Arrest After Aden Aguilar Dies

A Bakersfield Target stabbing left 20-year-old Aden Alejandro Aguilar dead after an altercation that police say began in a parking lot and continued inside the Target store on Ming Avenue.

Bakersfield police later arrested 33-year-old Brett Oleary on suspicion of first-degree murder. Investigators also recovered a knife they believe was used during the incident.

The deadly stabbing happened Friday night, September 11, 2026, at the Target near Valley Plaza Mall in southwest Bakersfield.

Police Respond to Stabbing at Target on Ming Avenue

The Bakersfield Police Department said officers responded to the Target at 2901 Ming Avenue at about 8:20 p.m. after receiving a report of a stabbing.

Officers arrived within approximately three minutes. They found an adult man suffering from major injuries.

Police provided medical aid until emergency personnel arrived. The injured man was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Kern County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as 20-year-old Aden Alejandro Aguilar of Bakersfield.

Altercation Began in Target Parking Lot, Police Say

According to Bakersfield police, investigators determined that Aguilar and the suspect were involved in an altercation in the parking lot.

The confrontation then continued inside the Target store, where Aguilar suffered his injuries.

At the same time officers were responding to Aguilar, police located and detained a possible suspect without incident.

Investigators also found a knife nearby that they believe was used during the incident. Police initially said they believed there was no continuing threat to the community.

Brett Oleary Arrested in Bakersfield Target Stabbing

On Saturday, September 12, Bakersfield Police Department homicide detectives arrested 33-year-old Brett Oleary in connection with the case.

Police said Oleary was arrested for first-degree murder.

Oleary has not been convicted in connection with Aguilar’s death. The allegations against him remain accusations unless and until they are proven in court.

Authorities have not publicly released a detailed account of what allegedly caused the confrontation or all of the events that occurred before the stabbing.

Family Says Aden Aguilar Was Trying to Stop a Fight

A fundraiser created by Aguilar’s family provides additional context that has not been independently established by police.

Aldennisha Rowel, who identifies Aguilar as her son, wrote that Aden was killed while trying to stop a fight in front of the Target near Valley Plaza Mall.

The fundraiser describes Aden as her firstborn and says donations will help the family with funeral and memorial expenses.

That account is important, but it should be distinguished from the Bakersfield Police Department’s official description of the incident.

Police have confirmed that an altercation occurred. However, the department has not publicly confirmed the family’s statement that Aguilar became involved specifically because he was attempting to stop the fight.

Target and Valley Plaza Security Assisted Investigators

Bakersfield police thanked Target employees, the store’s Asset Protection team and Valley Plaza Mall security personnel for assisting with the investigation.

The department has also asked anyone who witnessed the Target stabbing on Ming Avenue, recorded video of the incident or has additional information to contact investigators.

Detective A. Orozco can be reached at 661-852-7007. The Bakersfield Police Department can also be reached at 661-327-7111.

Investigation Into Aden Aguilar’s Death Continues

The investigation into the fatal Valley Plaza Target stabbing remains ongoing.

Several questions have not yet been publicly answered, including what initially led to the parking lot confrontation, whether Aguilar and Oleary knew each other before the incident, and the complete sequence of events inside the store.

Police have said that surveillance footage, witnesses and assistance from Target’s Asset Protection team have been part of the investigation. Authorities continue to seek additional video or witness information.

Central Valley Entertainment will update this story if Bakersfield police, prosecutors or court officials release significant new information about the case.

Quick Facts

• Incident: Fatal stabbing following an altercation
• Date: September 11, 2026
• Location: Target, 2901 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield
• Victim: Aden Alejandro Aguilar, 20, of Bakersfield
• Suspect: Brett Oleary, 33
• Arrest: September 12, 2026
• Reported arrest allegation: First-degree murder
• Evidence: Police said a knife believed to have been used was recovered nearby
• Investigating agency: Bakersfield Police Department
• Status: Investigation ongoing

What Is Confirmed

Bakersfield police have confirmed that officers responded to the Target on Ming Avenue after a reported stabbing, that an altercation began in the parking lot and continued inside the store, and that the victim later died.

Authorities identified the victim as Aden Alejandro Aguilar. Police also announced the arrest of Brett Oleary and said investigators recovered a knife believed to have been used in the incident.

What Has Not Yet Been Confirmed

Police have not publicly released a full explanation of what started the confrontation.

The family’s statement that Aguilar was trying to stop a fight comes from a fundraiser organized for his memorial expenses. Police have not publicly confirmed that specific detail.

Investigators also have not publicly explained whether Aguilar and Oleary knew one another before the incident or released a complete timeline of the confrontation.

The criminal allegations against Oleary have not been proven in court.