Four Men Accused of Murder in 2022 Shooting Death of Santa Maria Teen

Accident – Death – Obituary News : A Washington man and three other individuals have been apprehended in connection with the tragic killing of a teenager in a parking structure in Santa Maria almost two years ago, as reported by the Santa Maria Police Department.

Late in the evening on February 4, 2022, officers from the Santa Maria Police Department responded to multiple reports of gunshots in the city-owned parking structure near the Santa Maria Town Center mall, located at 120 E. Main St., stated Lt. Daniel Rios.

Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the lifeless body of 17-year-old Alexis Mendoza, who had sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Additionally, a 24-year-old woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, had also been shot but fortunately suffered non-life-threatening injuries. She was promptly treated at a local hospital and subsequently released.

In the wake of the incident, detectives and crime scene investigators were dispatched to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation. Throughout the course of their inquiry, the police department maintained constant communication with the victim’s family.

“The ongoing investigation resulted in four documented gang members being identified as suspects in this case and arrest warrants being issued for the murder of Mendoza,” revealed Lt. Rios.

With the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Office and Washington authorities, 22-year-old Alexis Ramirez Carmona, who had been residing in Lake Stevens, Washington, was apprehended on November 22. Carmona is currently awaiting extradition back to Santa Barbara County, as confirmed by Lt. Rios.

In a surprising turn of events, three Santa Maria residents allegedly linked to the fatal shooting – including 20-year-old Irvin Yair Gabino and two individuals who were juveniles at the time, both aged 19 – were already in custody for unrelated offenses, according to Lt. Rios.

Gabino, along with the other two suspects, was officially booked on Monday on charges related to the killing that occurred in February 2022. As the two 19-year-olds were underage at the time of the shooting, their names have not been disclosed.

Furthermore, it has been discovered that at least one of the suspects had previously been arrested in connection with a different fatal shooting.

All four individuals involved in the case have been booked on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and gang enhancement violations, stated Lt. Rios.

In an effort to gather more information pertaining to this investigation, individuals are encouraged to contact Detective Cole Whitney, the lead investigator, at 805.928.3781, ext. 1329.

This latest development in the case brings renewed hope for justice for the victim and their family as law enforcement continues to diligently pursue all leads and evidence..