Santa Maria Police Make 5 Arrests in String of Shootings

By the Santa Maria Police Department

In April of 2022 the Santa Maria Police Department, Detective Bureau, began investigating a series of shootings, with one resulting in a homicide. Through the course of the investigations, Detectives identified five suspects involved with the series of crimes. 

The investigation was completed yesterday by SMPD, and all five individuals are now in custody pending criminal proceedings. The subjects arrested include:

Isaac, Anthony Almaguer, 23 years, and a resident of Santa Maria, was booked on (3) counts of attempted homicide, (1) count of homicide and a gang enhancement.

Felix Antonio Martinez Justo, 21 years, and a resident of Santa Maria, was booked on (2) counts of attempted homicide, (1) count of homicide and a gang enhancement.

Maria Guadalupe Hernandez Bueno, 25 years, and a resident of Nipomo, was booked on three counts of conspiracy to commit homicide and gang enhancement.

Monique Alesha Arriola, 38 years, and a resident of Santa Maria, was charged with two counts of being an accessory, one count of conspiracy to commit homicide and gang enhancement.

Brenda Roberta Aguirre, 36 years, and a resident of Santa Maria, was charged with two counts of being an accessory, one count of conspiracy to commit homicide and gang enhancement.

All subjects have been booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail, pending further criminal proceedings. SMPD Detectives have been in contact with the victims and their families regarding these recent arrests.

Detectives believe there may be witnesses to these events that have yet to come forward. Anyone with information regarding similar events during that time frame is encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department.

The Santa Maria Police Department would also like to acknowledge the Santa Barbara Co. Sheriff’s Department and State of California Division of Adult Parole Operations for their vital assistance with these investigations.