SantaMariaPolice
Update by the Santa Maria Police Department
December 26, 2023
On Friday, December 22, 2023, at about 6:30 AM, officers were sent to the 1300 block of Dolcetto Lane for a domestic disturbance involving a reported shooting. As previously released, the investigation revealed a shooting had occurred that resulted in a homicide.
The adult female decedent in this case has been identified as 43-year-old Santa Maria resident, Johannes Katya Johnson.
The adult male suspect, who was arrested at the scene, has been identified as 60-year-old Santa Maria resident, Anthony Kevin Larks (photo attached). Larks and the victim were married and residing together when the crime occurred.
This investigation has been referred to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for review and filing purposes.
Anyone with information related to this investigation should contact Detective Kevin Ochoa at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2460.
Suspect Arrested in Santa Maria’s 6th Homicide of 2023
By the Santa Maria Police Department
December 22, 2023
SMPD Case #: 23-0015031
On Friday, December 22, 2023, at about 6:30 AM, officers were sent to the 1300 block of Dolcetto Lane for a domestic disturbance involving a reported shooting. Officers promptly responded to the residence and secured the scene.
Officers determined a shooting had occurred and located an adult female on scene suffering from critical gunshot wound injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the adult female succumbed to her injures.
Officers arrested an adult male, the victim’s spouse, on scene suspected to be responsible for the shooting death in this case. He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on murder charges.
This incident is believed to be domestic violence related in nature and is the Santa Maria Police Department’s sixth homicide this year.
The Detective Bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene. The Detective Bureau has taken over this investigation that is ongoing. More information will become available as the case develops.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Kevin Ochoa at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2460 or the Communications Center at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2277.
The SMPD Tip Line may also be reached anytime at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2677 (COPS).
This is truly awful, and so horrible that these cases seem to increase around the holidays. A few stats on domestic violence:
The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%
1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of severe physical violence (e.g. beating, burning, strangling) by an intimate partner in their lifetime
On a typical day, there are more than 20,000 phone calls placed to domestic violence hotlines nationwide.
Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime
Source: https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS
Jojo was my friend and former co-worker. This is terrible and very sad. Blessings to her and family.
So sorry for your loss.