Elvis Garcia Surrenders in McFarland Laundromat Killing; Joshua Cortez Still Wanted

Police allege Cortez confronted Espitia and fired multiple shots

Investigators allege that Cortez and Garcia entered the laundromat before the shooting. Police say Cortez confronted Espitia and shot him multiple times; they allege Garcia entered with Cortez and was involved in the homicide.

BakersfieldNow reported that police identified Cortez through prior law-enforcement contact and what the department described as corroborating evidence. Police also described Cortez as a documented Norteño gang member. Those are law-enforcement assertions, not independent findings by What’s the Scoop With Broach or proof of guilt.

The reviewed reports say Cortez is wanted in connection with an alleged first-degree murder violation. They do not specify the offense listed on Garcia’s warrant, describe what police allege Garcia personally did, identify any charge filed against him in open court or disclose the evidence supporting the allegation against him. Those details should not be inferred from his surrender.

Espitia was killed inside the laundromat on August 22

Officers responded at approximately 3:18 p.m. August 22 to the Capri Laundromat in the 100 block of West Perkins Avenue. They found Espitia suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the police account reported by both outlets.

The initial 23ABC report said officers provided medical aid and performed CPR, but Espitia was pronounced dead at the scene. The Kern County coroner identified him as a 26-year-old McFarland resident.

Police initially said two unknown suspects confronted Espitia inside the laundromat after arriving near the adjacent Capri Liquors and then fled in an unidentified vehicle. Investigators have not publicly announced the alleged motive or released a complete sequence of events.

Police continue searching for Joshua Cortez

McFarland police are still asking for information about Cortez’s whereabouts and the homicide investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 661-792-2121 or another local law-enforcement agency.

Police initially announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to both arrests. BakersfieldNow’s updated report repeats that earlier reward language but does not explain whether Garcia’s surrender changes the amount, eligibility or conditions. The reward should not be treated as automatically available for any tip without confirmation from police.

Police previously warned that Cortez should be considered armed and dangerous. The public should not approach or attempt to detain him. Anyone who believes there is an immediate threat should move to safety and contact emergency services rather than confronting a suspect.

Separate McFarland shooting remains a different investigation

This case is separate from the fatal September 5 shooting of 18-year-old Agustin Mata Rodriguez in the 300 block of 8th Street. Police previously said they had not determined whether that shooting was related to or retaliation for the laundromat killing.

The shared city, close timing and police reward do not establish a connection between the two killings. Any relationship must be confirmed by investigators rather than assumed from circumstance.

Allegations require courtroom proof

An arrest warrant and a voluntary surrender do not establish guilt. Cortez and Garcia retain the presumption of innocence, and prosecutors would have to prove any filed criminal charges beyond a reasonable doubt.

The reviewed reporting did not confirm that either suspect had retained an attorney or provided a response to the allegations. It also did not identify a getaway vehicle, publish a claimed motive, disclose the affidavits supporting the warrants or provide Garcia’s booking and court records.

What’s the Scoop With Broach will update this report if police announce an arrest, prosecutors file charges in open court, defense counsel responds or investigators release additional evidence.

About the image

The featured image is a 2007 locator map by Arkyan highlighting McFarland within Kern County. It is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 through Wikimedia Commons and is used solely for geographic context.

The map does not depict Espitia, Cortez, Garcia, the Capri Laundromat, the shooting, Garcia’s surrender, an arrest or evidence. Its use does not imply endorsement by the mapmaker, Wikimedia Commons, the City of McFarland or any law-enforcement agency.