Boy Dies Fleeing Dog Attack

A 12-year-old boy drowned in a California park lake while fleeing three attacking dogs — and the man police say owned those dogs is now a fugitive.

Story Snapshot

Fernando Torres Moreno, 12, drowned on June 18, 2026, after jumping into a lake at a California City park to escape three attacking dogs.
An 8-year-old girl with the group was mauled during the same attack.
Police identified Kenneth Dobbins, 68, as the dogs’ owner and charged him with involuntary manslaughter and negligent ownership of a dangerous animal.
Dobbins fled when officers came to arrest him on June 23 and remains a fugitive.

A Boy Dies Running From Three Dogs

On June 18, 2026, Fernando Torres Moreno and a small group of children were at a park in California City, in Kern County, California. Three dogs hunted them down. Fernando jumped into a nearby lake to escape. He drowned. An 8-year-old girl in the group was mauled by the dogs. California City Councilman Ron Smith called it a tragedy, saying an 8-year-old had been mauled and a 12-year-old lost his life “in such a tragic fashion.” ^[1]

Officers responded to the park and began investigating. That same evening, at 6:09 PM, police visited a nearby condominium and photographed a man named Kenneth Dobbins, his clothing, and three dogs — without yet knowing he was connected to the attack. Eyewitness accounts and victim statements later linked Dobbins and his dogs directly to what happened at the park. ^[1]

Warrant Issued, Suspect Runs

California City police built their case over the following days. On June 23, 2026, they issued an arrest warrant charging Dobbins with involuntary manslaughter and negligent ownership of a dangerous animal causing serious injury and death. ^[1] When officers returned to serve the warrant, Dobbins was gone. He had fled. Police say his disappearance shows he knew about the charges and tried to avoid arrest. As of the latest reports, he has not been found.

One of the three dogs was later recovered and seized in Los Angeles County on June 24. ^[1] Two dogs remain missing. Police are working with local authorities to find them. The recovered dog is key evidence. Forensic testing could confirm the animals’ role in the attack and strengthen the case against Dobbins in court.

Owner Negligence and the Law

California law is strict when it comes to dog attacks. Under California Civil Code Section 3342, a dog owner is fully responsible when their dog bites or attacks someone in a public place — even if the dog has never been aggressive before. The owner does not get a pass because the dog had a clean history. The law puts full responsibility on the person who owns the animal. ^[1] In this case, three dogs attacked children in a public park. The legal path to accountability is clear.

Kenneth Dobbins, 68, has been arrested in connection with a June 18th dog attack that led to the death of 12-year-old Fernando Torres Moreno at a California City park.

Los Angeles County deputies arrested Dobbins in Lancaster on Thursday after a citizen spotted him walking near… pic.twitter.com/t3kY03nLkG

— Mike Netter (@nettermike) June 26, 2026

Nationally, only about 20% of fatal dog attacks result in criminal charges. ^[16] The fact that police moved quickly to charge Dobbins with involuntary manslaughter shows they believe the evidence is strong. Fleeing from law enforcement does not help his case. A community fundraiser has been set up to help Fernando’s family. But what his family and the public truly need is justice — and that requires Dobbins to face the charges in court. Anyone with information on his location should contact California City police immediately.