Zachariah Nathaniel Byrd Killed in Collision near the Mohawk Avenue Overpass [Bakersfield, CA]

Bakersfield, CA (May 15, 2025) – 36-year-old Zachariah Nathaniel Byrd was killed in a collision on Westside Parkway Sunday.

Byrd was hit by a car near the Mohawk Avenue overpass on Mat 4.

Troopers said the alleged driver, 51-year-old Tomice Lee Fryman Jr, turned himself in more than nine hours after the fatal collision.

According to the authorities, Fryman Jr has pleaded not guilty to charges including second-degree murder and hit and run causing death. Court records show he has been convicted for DUI causing injury twice and the most recent was in 2021.

Meanwhile, the current case does not include alcohol-related charges, and Fryman’s criminal defense attorney said Fryman Jr was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the collision happened.

The accident report noted that Fryman was speeding prior to the collision.

Fryman Jr’s criminal defense attorney Tony Lidgett said he could have been driving from high 90s to low 100s. According to him, Fryman fled the scene due to panic and went to church to pray before turning himself to the authorities.

Moreover, it has been noted that Byrd was a convicted sex offender with multiple convictions for failing to register. Court records show Burd was convicted in 2008 of having sex with a minor.

The authorities said Fryman was driving from his home when the collision happened.

When asked if Fryman Jr picked up any of the severed parts from the victim, the defense attorney said they came through the windshield.

Fryman is being held without bail and is due back in court Wednesday. 

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The Sweet Lawyers team extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Zachariah Nathaniel Byrd during this difficult time.

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In another collision, 35-year-old Derrick Demonte Jones of Fort Worth was injured following a Highway 302 deadly crash early Monday morning.