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UPDATED INFORMATION related to SMPD Homicide Investigation
UPDATED INFORMATION related to SMPD Homicide Investigation 
UPDATED INFORMATION - Case #SMPD23-0012257
The decedent in this investigation has been identified as 20-year-old, Santa Maria resident Arthur Pichardo. There were three additional victims (one juvenile and 2 adults) that all sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds in this case. The three additional victims were all treated, released, and expected to fully recover.
This is still an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Brian Santiago at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1362. The Communications Center may also be reached at (805) 928-3781, ext. 2277.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
ORIGINAL RELEASE - Case #SMPD23-0012257
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, at about 12:32 AM, the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) responded to reports of a shooting in the 1000 block of N. School Street. Upon arrival, officers learned a party had been taking place and multple people had sustained gunshot wound injuries. Those injured were transported to the hospital for medical treatment. One of the victims, a 20-year-old adult male, died as a result of the shootnig. The others are expected to fully recover.
The SMPD Detective Bureau and the SMPD Crime Lab were called out to the scene to assist. The Detective Bureau has since taken over this investigation.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, so limited details are currently being released. Investigators believe there was a large backyard party occurring at the time of the incident and that a physical altercation preceded the shooting. There are numerous witnesses that still need to be identified and interviewed related to this case.
All present and anyone with information related to this investigation are encouraged to contact Detective Brian Santiago at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1362. The Communications Center may also be reached at (805) 928-3781, ext. 2277.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
The decedent in this investigation has been identified as 20-year-old, Santa Maria resident Arthur Pichardo. There were three additional victims (one juvenile and 2 adults) that all sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds in this case. The three additional victims were all treated, released, and expected to fully recover.
This is still an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Brian Santiago at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1362. The Communications Center may also be reached at (805) 928-3781, ext. 2277.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
ORIGINAL RELEASE - Case #SMPD23-0012257
On Saturday, October 21, 2023, at about 12:32 AM, the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) responded to reports of a shooting in the 1000 block of N. School Street. Upon arrival, officers learned a party had been taking place and multple people had sustained gunshot wound injuries. Those injured were transported to the hospital for medical treatment. One of the victims, a 20-year-old adult male, died as a result of the shootnig. The others are expected to fully recover.
The SMPD Detective Bureau and the SMPD Crime Lab were called out to the scene to assist. The Detective Bureau has since taken over this investigation.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, so limited details are currently being released. Investigators believe there was a large backyard party occurring at the time of the incident and that a physical altercation preceded the shooting. There are numerous witnesses that still need to be identified and interviewed related to this case.
All present and anyone with information related to this investigation are encouraged to contact Detective Brian Santiago at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1362. The Communications Center may also be reached at (805) 928-3781, 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