BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A man who prosecutors say physically assaulted his girlfriend and shot her in the face more than 20 times with a handgun was convicted by a Kern County jury on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Alan Swain was convicted of assault with a semi-automatic weapon, domestic violence and four counts of felony child abuse, the Kern County District Attorney said.

On April 27, 2023, KCSO deputies say they arrived at a north Bakersfield home to find Swain’s girlfriend covered in blood and with a broken jaw. They also found six bullet casings and bullet holes outside the home.

The woman said they started arguing before the incident when Swain got angry and pinned her face down on the sofa, restricting her breathing.

Swain then shot the woman in the face more than 20 times with a semiautomatic handgun, prosecutors said. She followed Swain out of the house as she fled with her four children.

“Unfortunately, most cases of domestic violence are not isolated incidents. They often become cycles of escalating violence that can lead to tragic consequences, even death. While the victim suffered horrific injuries, I am relieved that the perpetrator was finally caught before an even greater tragedy occurred,” said Kern Prosecutor Cynthia Zimmer.

The jury also found it true that Swain used a gun and caused bodily injury. Swain was found not guilty of opening fire into an occupied home. The prosecutor said the jury could not reach a verdict on whether Swain made a criminal threat.

Swain is scheduled to be sentenced on December 11, 2024. Swain is expected to face up to 24 years and 4 months in prison.

Anyone experiencing domestic violence can call 1-800-273-7713 or 9-1-1. The Kern County Justice Family Center can also be reached online. HERE.