17 News @ Sunrise 08/13/2024

Some of today's top storiesWe begin with education news and a reminder for parents.    As many kids in Kern County head back to school this week - are your kids up-to-date on their vaccines?    17's Connor Dore explains, there are are required vaccines for different grade levels with very few exemptionsIn your 17 court watch.    The man accused of leading police on a chase the night a Bakersfield police cruiser slammed into another vehicle with deadly results, was in court yesterday. Police say Michael Monte Stephens Junior led officers on a high-speed chase in January 2023.    He crashed at the intersection of South Vineland and Muller Roads.    Stephens pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and other charges filed in connection to the crash.    Meantime, former Bakersfield police Officer Ricardo Robles crashed while responding to assist in the chase.    It's alleged Robles drove more than 100 mph –without overhead flashing lights activated.    Police say he ran a stop sign and crashed into another car, killing one person and seriously injuring another.    Robles has pleaded not guilty to vehicular manslaughter, among other chargesA former employee of a local Dollar Tree has accepted a plea agreement in connection to the killing of an alleged shoplifter.      Dylan Franco pleaded no contest yesterday to involuntary manslaughter... a charge of first-degree murder was dismissed.      Franco stabbed Aaron Delgado the night of February 21st at the Dollar Tree on Columbus Street.      Footage taken inside the store showed Delgado grab several items before running out the back door.      Franco -- an employee at the time -- followed him, where a struggle unfolded in the parking lot.      Delgado died at the scene.      17's Robert Price took a deep dive into this story.      You can watch his full special report -- Death at the Dollar Tree -- on our website, kget dot com. It was their childhood home and it burned down in a matter of minutes.  And now, a local family is pleading for help after losing everything. The fire broke out Saturday at a home on Easter Street in Southeast Bakersfield.  Firefighters were mopping up the scene within 20 minutes, but the home itself was a total loss.  Officials suspect a water heater caused the fire, which started in the home's laundry room.  The owners say the home was in their family since the early 1970's. Now, they're trying to find a way to move forward.  The family has launched a Go Fund Me to help pay for new clothes, shoes, food and other basic necessities as they get back on their feet.  You can find a link to donate on our website.. kget dot com.