BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — A Bakersfield law firm is calling for stricter DUI sentencing after an 8-year-old boy was killed by a suspected drunk driver last week, highlighting a disturbing increase in DUI-related deaths in the city.

Xxavien Hernandez was struck and killed on East California Avenue. The incident has prompted the law firm Chain, Cohn, Clark to launch a petition demanding tougher penalties for drunk driving offenses.

"I mean, the loss of a child is a parent's absolute worst nightmare, and that's what this family is living with, and it's unacceptable," Clark said.

The tragedy is part of a troubling trend in Bakersfield. In 2024, there were 14 DUI-related deaths in the city. This year, that number has already been surpassed with 25 deaths so far.

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