FRAZIER PARK (Monday, May 3, 2010, 2:33 p.m.)—The funeral for Amber Kelch took place in Bakersfield at 1 p.m. today. A benefit for the family is planned at Sue’s Tavern in Frazier Park from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 8.
FRAZIER PARK (Sunday, May 2, 2010, 2:33 p.m.)—This release has just been received regarding the the murder of Amber Kelch, 33 who is the daughter of Mountain Community residents Cheryl and Woody Mackey. Kelch’s funeral is being planned for Monday, with a viewing being held this afternoon. Sue’s Tavern is planning a benefit to help with the family’s expenses. The announcement of time and place will be made in this week’s issue of The Mountain Enterprise.
Here are the Bakersfield Police Department’s bulletins regarding arrests:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 2, 2010
On May 1, 2010, at about 8:40 p.m., Bakersfield Police arrested a second suspect in the Amber Kelch murder. Pablo Salas 35 was arrested in the 2700 block of Arnold Street for murder, conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon, participation in a criminal street gang, weapons charges and violation of parole.
Both Casica and Salas were acquaintances of Kelch and the motive for her murder appears to have been robbery. Investigators are still searching for two AR-15 rifles which were taken from the residence during that robbery. Anyone with information related to the offense is encouraged to call Detective Jim Moore at 326-3567.
Second Release May 1, 2010
On April 30 200, at about 12:50 p.m., Bakersfield Police arrested Adolf Thomas Casica, 29 for the murder of Amber Suzan Kelch whose body was discovered in her home at 3809 Millay Way on Tuesday, April 27, 2010.
Early on in the investigation detectives suspected Casica’s involvement in the murder. Once they were able to determine the locations frequented by Casica, investigators saturated the area in an attempt to locate him. Detective Will McNeal spotted Casica riding a bicycle south on South P Street from Brundage Lane. When Detective McNeal tried to contact him, Casica continued riding the bike into the apartment complex at 720 Terrace Way in an attempt to get away. He then discarded the bike and tried to run but was apprehended.
Casica was arrested for murder, conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon, participation in a criminal street gang, weapons charges and warrants for narcotics and parole violation.
Investigators subsequently made contact at two locations Casica was known to frequent, 625 Brundage Lane and 710 Brundage Lane #72 in an attempt to secure the residences for the purpose of executing search warrants for evidence related to the murder.
Upon making contact at the Brundage Lane locations, multiple subjects at each location were detained. Ultimately two of the subjects were arrested for charges unrelated to the murder. They are identified as follows:
Jonathan Vinson 24 was arrested for possession of narcotics, resisting arrest and violation of parole.
Ricky Jasper Garcia-Villafranco 32 was arrested for public intoxication.
The investigation is continuing.
Original Release April 27, 2010
On 4/27/10, at 10:03 a.m., the Bakersfield Police Department responded to a report of an injured female, possibly deceased at 3809 Millay Way. Officers located the 33 year old female resident deceased in her bed. Investigation and Coroner’s preliminary examination revealed the woman was a victim of a homicide. The investigation is continuing.
This is part of the April 30, 2010 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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