SantaMariaPolice
Update by the Santa Maria Police Department
July 10, 2023
Santa Maria Police Department detectives are still actively working this investigation. Based on the preliminary investigation, this incident is believed to be gang related in nature. Investigators have also learned that in mid June 2023, the 14-year-old victim and Lompoc resident in this case was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound related to an incident in the City of Lompoc.
The Santa Maria Police Department and the Lompoc Police Department are collaborating on this investigation. Currently it is unknown if the Lompoc incident in June and this case are connected.
The 21-year-old victim in this case is expected to fully recover from his injuries.
The Santa Maria Police Department would like to thank members of the public that have come forward with information related to this case. We encourage others with information to please do the same.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective Hesch at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1349 or the Communications Center at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2277.
Information may be left anonymously at these numbers or online via the SMPD Anonymous Tip Line at: https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/city-government/departments/police-services/programs-services/anonymous-tipline-to-police
By the Santa Maria Police Department
July 7, 2023
Case#SMPD23-0007528
On Friday, July 7, 2023, at about 10:00 PM officers were in the 1300 block of S. Bradley checking on an extremely large gathering of vehicles and persons in a nearby parking lot.
While in the area, officers heard gunshots fired from within the large crowd. Officers moved towards the gunfire and located two gunshot wound victims amongst the crowd. A confrontation is believed to have preceded the shooting.
A 21-year-old Guadalupe man sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wound injuries.
The second victim, a 14-year-old male juvenile from Lompoc, died as a result of his injuries.
Detectives and Crime Lab personnel responded to the scene and are still actively working this investigation.
Detectives believe numerous witnesses that were in the area left without police contact and need to be interviewed.
Witnesses related to this case along with anyone that may have any information regarding this incident are asked to contact Detective Hesch at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1349 or the Communications Center at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2277.
It is sad to see that gang life is so strong that a gunshot wound wasn’t enough to deter him from continuing to be in that life.