‘I’m coming back to shoot you’: Man brutally killed victim he thought his girlfriend was cheating on him with then rushed ‘out of breath’ to his family’s home, police say

A California man is facing murder and burglary charges after authorities say he shot and killed a man he believed was romantically involved with his girlfriend, following a heated confrontation in which he allegedly threatened to return and open fire if his suspicions proved true. Prosecutors say the accused later fled the scene, rushed to his family’s home in a distressed state, and allegedly admitted to the shooting before disappearing again.

Deadly Jealousy Allegedly Fueled the Crime

According to court records and investigators, 38-year-old Samuel Magdaleno has been charged with first-degree murder and first-degree burglary in connection with the death of 38-year-old Adrian Anthony Montiel in Bakersfield, California. Authorities allege that the killing stemmed from Magdaleno’s belief that Montiel was involved in a romantic relationship with his girlfriend.

The case dates back to the night of Aug. 15, 2025, when Magdaleno reportedly confronted Montiel and another individual during an argument. Investigators say the dispute centered on Magdaleno’s suspicions regarding his girlfriend and Montiel.

Threat Made During Initial Confrontation

Court documents indicate that during the confrontation, Magdaleno allegedly issued a chilling warning.

According to investigators, he told those present, “If I find out that it’s true, I’m coming back to shoot you.”

Authorities later cited that statement as evidence of intent after the fatal shooting occurred only hours later.

Sheriff’s Office Responds to Disturbance Call

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office initially received a call reporting an argument involving Magdaleno, Montiel, and a neighbor of the victim.

Deputies responded to the disturbance, but the situation appeared to end without violence at that time.

However, approximately two hours later, just before midnight, law enforcement received another emergency call reporting that Montiel had been shot.

Victim Found Gravely Wounded

When deputies arrived at the scene along Edison Highway in Bakersfield, they discovered Montiel suffering from a gunshot wound to the right side of his body.

Emergency responders rushed him to a local hospital for treatment.

Despite medical efforts, Montiel succumbed to his injuries and died the following day, turning the investigation into a homicide case.

Investigators Say Suspect Returned With a Rifle

Authorities allege that Magdaleno returned to the area after the earlier confrontation and carried out the shooting using a rifle.

Investigators reportedly learned during their inquiry that Magdaleno had threatened to shoot Montiel earlier in the evening if his suspicions about the alleged relationship were confirmed.

The prosecution has pointed to both the earlier threat and the alleged return to the scene as key pieces of evidence in the case.

Suspect Allegedly Fled Before Deputies Arrived

By the time law enforcement reached the crime scene, Magdaleno was gone.

Investigators began searching for him and interviewing witnesses and family members in an effort to reconstruct his movements following the shooting.

According to court records, those interviews revealed dramatic details about what allegedly happened next.

Family Members Describe Suspect Arriving Home Distressed

Authorities say Magdaleno went to his family’s residence after the shooting.

Family members reportedly told investigators that he arrived sweating heavily, breathing hard, and acting paranoid.

According to court filings, relatives said his behavior was unusual and alarming.

Alleged Admission to Relatives

Family members reportedly told detectives that Magdaleno admitted he had gotten into a confrontation with Montiel and had shot at him.

Court documents state that relatives described him as being visibly shaken and unlike his normal self.

Investigators later included those statements in the criminal case against him.

Rifle Allegedly Discarded Near Bridge

Authorities say Magdaleno also told family members that he disposed of the rifle used in the shooting.

According to court records, he allegedly claimed he threw the weapon near a local bridge.

The statement became another focus of the investigation as detectives worked to locate physical evidence connected to the killing.

Flight Continues After Hearing Sirens

Investigators allege that Magdaleno did not remain at the family residence for long.

Court records indicate that he allegedly fled again after hearing sirens in the area, fearing law enforcement was closing in on him.

His whereabouts remained unknown for a period following the shooting.

Arrest Made Months Later

Authorities ultimately arrested Magdaleno in October 2025, roughly two months after the fatal shooting.

Following his arrest, prosecutors formally charged him with first-degree murder and first-degree burglary.

He later entered a plea of not guilty to the charges.

Defendant Remains Behind Bars

Jail records show that Magdaleno has been held without bail while the criminal proceedings move forward.

The serious nature of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the case contributed to the court’s decision to keep him detained pending trial.

Trial Date Scheduled

According to court records cited by local media, Magdaleno’s trial has been scheduled for Sept. 14.

If convicted of first-degree murder, he could face a lengthy prison sentence under California law.

Prosecutors are expected to rely on witness testimony, statements allegedly made by the defendant, and evidence gathered during the homicide investigation.

Remembering Adrian Anthony Montiel

As the criminal case proceeds, loved ones continue mourning the loss of Adrian Anthony Montiel.

His obituary described him as a “beautiful son,” a “loving and caring father,” and a “true friend” whose death left a profound impact on family members and those who knew him.

Friends and relatives remembered him for his devotion to his family and the positive influence he had on the people around him.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings

The case remains active as prosecutors prepare for trial.

Investigators maintain that jealousy and suspicions of infidelity motivated the fatal shooting, while Magdaleno has pleaded not guilty and retains the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

The upcoming trial is expected to determine whether prosecutors can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the killing was a deliberate act carried out after Magdaleno threatened to return and shoot the man he believed was involved with his girlfriend.