DA Clears Santa Maria Police Officer in Fatal Melody Market Shooting

PUBLIC REPORT ON OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING OF JOSE MANUEL REYES RIOS ON MARCH 25, 2023

The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office has completed its review of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office (“SBSO”) investigation into the fatal shooting of Jose Manuel Reyes Rios, age 19, on March 25, 2023, in the City of Santa Maria, California.

The following analysis is based upon investigative reports, video and audio recordings, photographs, and witness interviews, including the voluntary statement of off-duty Santa Maria Police Officer Antonio Pena, taken during the investigation and submitted to this office by SBSO Detective Ruben Esparza.

The District Attorney finds the shooting by off-duty Santa Maria Police Department Officer Antonio Pena was a justified use of force pursuant to Penal Code section 835a, and he bears no state criminal liability.

FACTUAL HISTORY

Summary

On Saturday March 25, 2023, just before 8:00 p.m., off-duty Santa Maria Police Officer Antonio Pena parked in front of the Melody Market convenience store at 130 E. Foster Road in Orcutt. Officer Pena walked inside the market while his wife and brother-in-law remained inside the truck. While Officer Pena was inside the market purchasing items, two groups of young males engaged one another in the parking lot next to Officer Pena’s truck. As Officer Pena walked out to his truck he noticed the two groups of young males arguing and starting to fight physically. As he neared the driver’s side of his truck, another vehicle accelerated into two of the males hitting them and causing them to fly into the air, hit the hood of the vehicle and fall to the ground. A male from one of the groups, later identified as Jose Manuel Reyes Rios, pulled out a handgun and began shooting at the two males who were hit by the car. Another male from the opposing group started shooting towards Rios. Rios ran directly towards Officer Pena. Officer Pena quickly drew his firearm, began shouting commands to “Drop the gun!” and “Santa Maria Police!” Rios ran past Officer Pena, then turned toward Officer Pena with his gun pointed at him. Officer Pena opened fire, shooting Rios. Rios was pronounced dead at the scene.

Read the rest of the report here.

March 26, 2023: Sheriff Offices Investigate Fatal Shooting in Orcutt