SantaMariaPolice
On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at about 6:00 AM, the Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau, with assistance from the Santa Maria Police Department SWAT Team, conducted a search and arrest warrant operation in the 100 block of W. Camino Colegio.
This operation was a result of an ongoing homicide investigation related to the shooting death of 40-year-old Santa Maria resident, Robert Valencia.
On February 4, 2023, at about 11:50 PM, the SMPD Communications Center received multiple calls of shots fired in the 400 block of North Railroad. Officers immediately responded to the scene and confirmed a shooting had occurred. The investigation revealed two adult male victims sustained injuries resulting from the shooting.
Both victims were transported to the hospital for their injuries. One of the victims, Valencia, died as a result of the shooting. No arrests were made at the time of the initial incident.
Investigators have continued to diligently work on this case resulting in 27-year-old Santa Maria resident, Kevin Medrano, being identified as a suspect. Subsequently, arrest and search warrants for Medrano and his residence were issued.
During the warrant service operation this morning (Wednesday, October 4, 2023) Kevin Medrano was arrested on a warrant without incident.
Medrano was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on his warrant for the charge of 187 PC – Murder. Medrano is being held on $2 million dollars bail.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to please contact Detective Brian Santiago at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1362.
