BAKERSFIELD POLICE

DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Greg Williamson, Chief of Police
________________________________________________________________________
Contact: Sergeant Mary DeGeare
Public Information Officer
661-326-3803
mdegeare@Bakersfieldpd.us

For Immediate Release February 8, 2010

On 2/7/10, at about 9:00 p.m., homicide detectives arrested Blayne Allen Clifford
19, for the murder of Patrick Shige Matsuda 40, in the 4300 block of Whitegate
Avenue. Investigation revealed that on 2/7/10, at about 2:20 a.m., Matsuda, who
resided at 4310 Whitegate Avenue, approached a male and a female in the front
yard of 4315 Whitegate Avenue where a party was taking place. Matsuda
became involved in an argument with the male and struck him in the face. The
woman intervened at which point the male ran into 4315 Whitegate Avenue and
called for assistance. Meanwhile, Matsuda also assaulted the woman.

Several party goers, including Clifford, ran from the house toward Matsuda and
surrounded him as he retreated to his own driveway. Matsuda obtained a bat
from inside his garage, at which point Clifford ran back to his house and obtained
two bats. Matsuda chased the party goers back across the street striking the
same girl on the arm with his bat. Clifford exited the house and gave one of the
bats to an unidentified male who struck Matsuda in the head with it. Matsudo fell
and Clifford struck Matsuda several times while he lay on the ground.
Additional suspects also joined in and hit and kick Matsuda as he lay on the
ground. When it was apparent Matsuda was no longer fighting back the entire
group left, prior to police arrival. Matsuda was transported to KMC where he
died. Autopsy revealed that Matsudo was also stabbed.

Investigators are still trying to identify the other male suspect who was armed
with the bat. He is described as a Caucasian or Hispanic male, early 20s, 5’10”
160 pounds, short dark hair, facial hair possibly with a goatee. The man has
tattoos on his arms and on the lower part of the back of his neck. Investigation
into the actions of other party goers involved in the assault/murder continues.
Original Release February 7, 2010

On 02-07-2010, at 0227 a.m., the Bakersfield Police Department received a 911

call from a female who said her husband was being assaulted outside of their
residence by a subject armed with a baseball bat in the 4300 block of Whitegate
Avenue. Officers responded to the 4300 block of Whitegate Avenue (northeast of
Stine and Mckee roads) and located a 40 year old adult male down in the front
yard of a residence suffering from multiple injuries as a result of being assaulted
by multiple suspects. The victim was transported to Kern Medical Center where
he later succumbed from the injuries.

Preliminary investigation revealed the victim encountered several suspects

outside of his residence and a physical altercation ensued. The victim ran from
the scene of the initial altercation to a nearby front yard and the suspects
continued the assault. The suspects fled the scene in separate vehicles.
It is unknown if this incident is gang related. The name of the victim is currently
being withheld pending notification of family.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Bakersfield Police Department

at 327-7111 or Detective Murphy at 326-3861.