Man accused in deadly Oildale bar shooting pleads not guilty

Steven Quick extradited from Oregon to face murder charges in March 2026 killing of Jason Hall

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, shadowy surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the aftermath of a deadly shooting incident.A single spent bullet casing left behind at the scene of a deadly bar shooting serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of gun violence.Bakersfield Today

A man accused of fatally shooting Jason Hall outside an Oildale, California bar in March 2026 has pleaded not guilty to murder charges. Steven Quick was recently extradited to Kern County from Oregon after turning himself in to authorities. Friends and family remembered Hall as a caring, easygoing person who had recently turned his life around.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of gun violence and public safety in the Bakersfield area, as well as the challenges of the criminal justice system in dealing with suspects who flee to other states. The shooting also impacted the local community, with the bar expressing grief over the loss of a beloved patron.

The details

Steven Quick, 27, is accused of fatally shooting Jason Hall, 43, next to the Long Branch Saloon in Oildale on March 7, 2026. A warrant was issued for Quick's arrest shortly after the incident, and he was apprehended in Oregon on March 10 before being extradited to Kern County. Quick pleaded not guilty to the murder charges on Tuesday and is due to return to court for a preliminary hearing on April 20.

  • The shooting occurred just after midnight on March 7, 2026.
  • Quick was apprehended in Oregon on March 10, 2026.
  • Quick pleaded not guilty on April 8, 2026.
  • Quick is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 20, 2026.

The players

Steven Quick

A 27-year-old man accused of fatally shooting Jason Hall outside an Oildale bar in March 2026.

Jason Hall

A 43-year-old Bakersfield resident who was killed in the shooting outside the Long Branch Saloon in Oildale.

Long Branch Saloon

The Oildale bar where the shooting took place, which expressed grief over the loss of a beloved patron.

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What they’re saying

“He was a fun, caring, easygoing, life of the party person.”

— Tiffani Peterson, Cousin of Jason Hall

“He was a good guy; he never did wrong by people.”

— Amanda Harris, Friend of Jason Hall

“He was a walking testimony. He showed people that no matter where you come from, you can turn your life around.”

— Tiffani Peterson, Cousin of Jason Hall

“Even though you make bad choices, you can turn your life around and accomplish your goals if you put your mind to it.”

— Nathan Avley, Coworker of Jason Hall

“Our hearts are absolutely broken. Friday night we lost a truly loving, kind, and genuine friend, Jason, to senseless gun violence.”

— Long Branch Saloon

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 20 whether to hold a preliminary hearing for Steven Quick.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting highlights the ongoing challenges of gun violence and public safety in the Bakersfield area, as well as the importance of community support and second chances for those trying to turn their lives around.