Zachariah Nathaniel Byrd Obituary, Death; – The individual who was tragically struck and killed by a motorist on May 3 along the Westside Parkway has been identified as Zachariah Nathaniel Byrd, aged 36, from Bakersfield.
The Kern County coroner has confirmed that the victim, Byrd, was hit and killed at approximately 6:23 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. The Bakersfield Police Department reported that officers were dispatched to the eastbound lanes of Westside Parkway near the Mohawk Street off-ramp due to suspicious circumstances. Upon their arrival, they discovered body parts but did not locate any vehicle or driver at the scene.
The driver alleged to have struck and killed Byrd, Tomice Fryman, reportedly fled the scene. According to a probable cause declaration, Fryman reached out to the Bakersfield Police Department around 4:15 p.m. to admit involvement in the crash. The document disclosed that Fryman acknowledged driving home following the incident.
A sergeant from the Bakersfield police informed Eyewitness News that remains and debris were found scattered over a distance of half a mile. Further investigation revealed that Fryman’s driver’s license had been suspended due to prior DUI offenses. Court documents show that Fryman has a record of driving under the influence, with convictions dating back to 2015 and 2021.
Fryman has pleaded not guilty to charges that include murder, vehicular manslaughter, hit-and-run resulting in death or serious injury, and operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license. He is set to appear in court again on August 19 for a hearing.
