A Kern County man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for punching and killing a 61-year-old man during a 2022 dog-related dispute, according to court records.
Jeffrey Sellers, 18 at the time of the incident, received his sentence on September 23, 2025, following his conviction on August 13 for involuntary manslaughter, assault with force likely to cause great bodily injury, and battery causing serious bodily injury. The victim, Michael Davis, died in June 2023 from complications of blunt force head trauma, according to the Kern County Coroner.
The incident occurred on September 20, 2022, when Sellers and his girlfriend were walking on Greenacres Drive with her unleashed pit bull. The dog entered Davis’ yard, leading to an argument. After the dog was restrained, Sellers cursed at Davis. When Davis turned around, Sellers punched him in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the concrete.
A neighbor witnessed the attack and helped Davis, who was bleeding heavily and semi-conscious. Sellers and his girlfriend left the scene. Davis was hospitalized and underwent emergency brain surgery, remaining in a coma until his death.
During the trial, Sellers claimed Davis had a baseball bat when he struck him. The defense also presented a forensic pathologist who argued that Davis fainted from emotional stress. The jury rejected these claims, siding with the prosecution’s evidence.
Sellers was credited with 88 days served, including 77 for good behavior, and will serve his sentence at Wasco State Prison.
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