Tomice Lee Fryman Jr. Charged With Murder in Grisly Crash Westside Parkway
Attorney Says California Faces Rise in Deadly Hit-and-run Collisions | DUI Offenders Often Involved
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (May 7, 2025) — Tomice Lee Fryman Jr., who has a history of DUIs, has been charged with murder after a gruesome hit-and-run crash left body parts scattered along the Westside Parkway (Highway 58) in Bakersfield.
Hit-and-Run Driver Arrested for Deadly Collision
The 51-year-old man was arraigned Tuesday on multiple felony counts, including second-degree murder, vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, hit-and-run causing death, and driving with a license suspended due to a prior DUI, according to court records. A deputy public defender entered not guilty pleas on Fryman’s behalf. He is being held without bail and is scheduled to return to court on May 14.
The fatal crash occurred early Saturday morning near the Mohawk Street off-ramp. The gruesome crime scene stretched roughly a half-mile long and included body parts, broken glass, and car debris, Bakersfield police said.
Investigators located Fryman’s Hyundai sedan later that day around 3:30 p.m. on Stockdale Highway. Fryman eventually turned himself in around 6 p.m., police said. The eastbound lanes of the parkway remained closed for hours as police combed the scene.
Suspect Has Criminal History Including Two DUI Convictions
Authorities say Fryman has a lengthy criminal history, including two convictions for driving under the influence. It’s unknown if Fryman was intoxicated at the time of this collision because he turned himself in roughly nine hours after this collision.
“This case adds to growing public concern over repeat DUI offenders across California,” said Attorney James Johnson. “Despite years of public safety campaigns, fatal crashes involving individuals with prior convictions continue to rise.”
Many advocates and officials argue that harsher penalties for first-time DUI convictions — including longer license suspensions, mandatory ignition interlocks, and even felony charges — may be necessary to deter future tragedies, Johnson said. However, convicted DUI offenders often continue driving on suspended licenses.
Johnson says hit-and-run drivers often flee because they are intoxicated and or have previous DUI convictions. The crime has been on the rise in the Bakersfield area. According to a five-year study, Kern County ranks 14th nationwide for the most fatal hit-and-run crashes.
As California grapples with the devastating impact of repeat DUI offenders, the Fryman case is likely to fuel renewed calls for legislative reform and stronger enforcement.
Should first-time DUI laws in California be tougher to help prevent cases like this?
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Johnson Attorneys Group is a personal injury law firm serving clients who are injured in California due to a negligent motorist. If you would like to contribute any information or have LEGAL QUESTIONS for a potential case, please call 1-(800) 208-3538 as soon as possible. Our personal injury law firm is a proud, longtime supporter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
