Murder charges rejected in deadly shooting of Wasco man

Prosecutors on Tuesday declined to file charges against Cesar Zarate-Hernandez, 20, for the shooting death of Jose Eduardo Lopez Delgadillo, 29, in Wasco, citing insufficient evidence, a District Attorney's Office spokesperson said.

The case has been returned to the Kern County Sheriff's Office for more investigation.

Officials said Delgadillo was shot around midnight on June 26 on Bay Meadow Drive. He died at the scene.

According to sheriff's officials, Hernandez was arrested on Aug. 18 for the shooting. As of Wednesday morning, booking records show, he was no longer in custody.