Demetrius Ford, 32, was convicted of manslaughter and assault after a senseless altercation in a grocery store parking lot left 54-year-old employee Juan Urvina dead. Ford’s actions on the night of January 1, 2023, were described as violent and without provocation, ultimately resulting in a tragic death. The incident took place at the Superior Grocer on Union Avenue in Bakersfield, California, where Ford’s violent response to a simple photo led to an unnecessary loss of life.
Details of the Incident
As the new year approached, Ford and a friend visited the Superior Grocer in Bakersfield to purchase drinks for a party. However, the store had already closed. After realizing this, Ford backed his vehicle into a parked truck, owned by Juan Urvina, who was waiting for his shift to begin. This led to a brief verbal exchange between the two men. Ford became agitated when Urvina used his phone to take a picture of Ford and his vehicle, which led Ford to approach Urvina and begin attacking him.
Other employees of the store, including Urvina, tried to intervene and de-escalate the situation. Ford’s friend also became involved in the fight. While one employee was being assaulted, Urvina attempted to help but was thrown to the ground by Ford. Ford then delivered a forceful punch to Urvina’s face, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the concrete.
The Tragic Outcome
Urvina was rushed to the hospital, but he never regained consciousness and was declared dead the following day. The attack, which prosecutors described as “senseless and tragic,” resulted in the loss of an innocent life due to Ford’s violent outburst over a minor confrontation.
Ford’s Conviction and Legal Consequences
Ford was found guilty by a jury on charges of voluntary manslaughter, assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, and involuntary manslaughter. The Kern County District Attorney’s Office emphasized Ford’s complete disregard for the life of the victim, particularly given his physical advantage over the older, smaller man. Assistant District Attorney Joseph Kinzel stated that Ford’s actions were not only violent but entirely unprovoked, leading to the death of Mr. Urvina.
Ford faces up to 11 years in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for August 19. Although initially arrested and released after the attack, Ford was rearrested on May 30, 2024, after further investigation by law enforcement.
Ford’s Behavior and Motive
According to court documents, Ford admitted to being drunk at the time of the fight and blamed the incident on someone “talking s—” to him. His intoxication, however, does not excuse his actions, which were deemed excessive and unjustifiable by prosecutors.
The conviction of Demetrius Ford brings a degree of justice to the tragic death of Juan Urvina. Ford’s violent response to a minor altercation has robbed a family of their loved one and left a community mourning the loss of a man who was simply doing his job. Ford will face sentencing in August, where he is expected to be held accountable for his actions.
