Police say a 12-year-old California boy drowned after jumping into a lake while trying to escape three dogs, and the dogs’ owner now faces criminal charges.
CALIFORNIA CITY, Calif. — A 68-year-old man has been arrested after authorities said a 12-year-old boy drowned while trying to escape three dogs at a California park, an incident that also left the boy’s younger sister with serious bite injuries.
Investigators say the tragedy unfolded on June 18 at Central Park in California City, where 12-year-old Fernando Torres Moreno and his 8-year-old sister were allegedly attacked by three dogs. Police allege Fernando jumped into the park’s lake to escape but never resurfaced. After a weeklong investigation and a public search, authorities arrested the dogs’ owner, Kenneth Dobbins, who now faces involuntary manslaughter and negligent ownership of dangerous animals.
According to the California City Police Department, officers received a report shortly after 6 p.m. that a child had entered the lake while fleeing several dogs. Responding officers found Fernando at the bottom of the water and immediately began rescue efforts. Kern County firefighters continued CPR before the boy was transported to Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley Hospital and later transferred to Children’s Hospital in Bakersfield. Despite continued medical treatment, he died during the early hours of June 19. His younger sister remained on shore, where emergency crews found her suffering from multiple dog bite injuries. She was taken to Antelope Valley Medical Center, treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries and later released. Police said witness interviews quickly shifted the investigation from an apparent drowning to a suspected fatal dog attack.
Investigators later identified Kenneth Dobbins as the owner of the three dogs allegedly involved. Police said Dobbins acknowledged being at the park with the animals on the day of the incident. Officers photographed Dobbins, his clothing and the dogs but did not arrest him immediately because they were still determining exactly what had occurred and the extent of the children’s injuries. Over the following four days, detectives interviewed witnesses, gathered evidence and concluded the dogs had allegedly attacked the children before Fernando entered the water. Authorities obtained arrest warrants charging Dobbins with involuntary manslaughter and negligent ownership of a mischievous animal causing serious bodily injury or death. When officers attempted to serve those warrants at his residence several days later, they found he had already left. Police said one dog has since been recovered and seized while two others remain unaccounted for.
The case has deeply affected the desert community of California City, located about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. Family members described Fernando as a joyful child who enjoyed spending time outdoors, playing with his siblings and making friends. A fundraiser established to help cover funeral expenses remembered him as a bright and loving boy whose kindness touched many people. Community members gathered for a candlelight vigil at Central Park to honor his memory. California City Mayor Marquette Hawkins called the death a heartbreaking tragedy for the community, expressing sympathy for Fernando’s family while thanking first responders and investigators for their work. The incident has also renewed attention on the responsibilities of animal owners and the criminal consequences that may follow when authorities believe negligence contributes to a fatal outcome.
On June 25, police announced that Dobbins had been located after receiving a tip from a member of the public. Authorities said deputies in Lancaster found him and took him into custody before he was transferred back to California City for questioning and later booked into the Kern County Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility. The charges against him will proceed through the criminal court process, where prosecutors must present evidence supporting the allegations. Investigators also continue searching for the remaining two dogs believed to have been involved. Police have not announced whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues. Authorities have also not released further details about the precise sequence of events leading to Fernando’s decision to enter the lake, saying the investigation remains active.
Residents continue to mourn Fernando’s death while investigators work to complete the case. Neighbors who attended the vigil described the loss as devastating for a close-knit community. Officials have praised witnesses who provided information during the investigation and the individual whose tip ultimately led to Dobbins’ arrest. Meanwhile, Fernando’s family continues preparing for his funeral while remembering him as a child whose laughter and compassion left a lasting impression on those who knew him. His younger sister is expected to recover physically from her injuries, though authorities have not discussed her current condition beyond confirming she was released from the hospital. Police say the investigation remains open as detectives seek the remaining dogs and continue reviewing evidence.
Authorities say Dobbins remains in custody while the criminal case moves forward. Investigators are still attempting to locate the two outstanding dogs, and additional court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks as prosecutors formally present the case.