Alexis Mendoza, Santa Maria Teen Shot and Killed in Mall Parking Structure, Suspects in Custody

Accident – Death – Obituary News : All Suspects Arrested in Santa Maria Teen’s Shooting Death, Says Police Department

The Santa Maria Police Department made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the fatal shooting of a teenager in Santa Maria. The department announced on Wednesday that all four suspects involved in the incident are now in custody.

The tragic incident took place shortly before midnight on February 4, 2022, at the parking structure of the Santa Maria Town Center mall. Alexis Mendoza, a young teenager, was shot and killed, while a 24-year-old woman was also injured but survived the attack.

Throughout the course of the investigation, diligent police work led to the identification of four individuals as suspects in Mendoza’s murder. Three of the suspects, Irvin Yair Gabino, 20, and two now-19-year-old men who were minors at the time of the shooting, were already in custody for unrelated crimes when they were linked to the case.

However, the fourth suspect, Alexis Ramirez Carmona, 22, had been living in Lake Stevens, Washington, and had remained outside the grasp of law enforcement. That changed on Wednesday, November 22, when Carmona was apprehended with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Office and local authorities in Washington state. He is currently awaiting extradition back to Santa Barbara County to face charges related to the shooting.

In a significant development, Gabino and the other two suspects were formally booked on Monday, November 27. They now face charges of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and gang enhancements.

The Santa Maria Police Department’s relentless efforts and cooperation with other law enforcement agencies have resulted in the successful capture of all four suspects involved in this heinous crime. The community can now rest assured that those responsible for this senseless act of violence will be held accountable for their actions.

The apprehension of the final suspect, Carmona, in Washington state demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between law enforcement agencies across state lines. It serves as a testament to the dedication and commitment of the U.S. Marshals Office and the Santa Maria Police Department in ensuring justice for the victim and his family.

This latest development brings hope to the community of Santa Maria, as they seek closure and healing following the tragic loss of a young life. The arrests of all four suspects serve as a reminder that law enforcement agencies will tirelessly pursue justice for victims and their families.

The Santa Maria Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information related to this case to come forward and assist in the investigation. The department remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community, and they are determined to bring justice to those affected by this devastating incident.

As the legal proceedings move forward, the community eagerly awaits the trial of the suspects, hoping for a fair and just outcome that will provide some solace to the grieving families and a sense of closure to the entire community.

Photo Credit: Santa Maria Police Department.