SMPD investigating suspicious death 
Case #SMPD23-0009699
On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at about 2:08pm, Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) officers were sent to 300 West Cook Street (Santa Maria Fire Station #1) in response to medical request. An adult female 911 caller sought medical attention for an adult male passenger in her vehicle. SMPD officers quickly arrived on scene and located the male passenger unresponsive in the vehicle. Officers immediately began to administer CPR to the man and continued until relieved by paramedics that continued lifesaving efforts.
Unfortunately, the adult male passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene. Based on the totality of the circumstances in this case SMPD Detectives and Crime Lab personnel responded to the scene.
Detectives took over the investigation and subsequently summoned the Santa Barbara County Sheriff Coroners Bureau to assist. This case is actively being investigative and is being considered a suspicious death. Detectives with assistance from the Santa Barbara County Coroners Bureau are actively looking into the circumstances that preceded this call for service.
The decedent in this case has been identified as 69-year-old Cuyama resident, Ricky Campbell.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact SMPD Detective Kevin Ochoa at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2460 or the Communications Center at ext. 2277.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781