Advisory
SMPD investigates 6th homicide - suspect arrested
SMPD investigates 6th homicide - suspect arrested 
SMPD Case #: 23-0015031
On Friday, December 22, 2023, at about 6:30 AM, officers were sent to the 1300 block of Dolcetto Lane for a domestic disturbance involving a reported shooting. Officers promptly responded to the residence and secured the scene.
Officers determined a shooting had occurred and located an adult female on scene suffering from critical gunshot wound injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the adult female succumbed to her injures.
Officers arrested an adult male, the victim’s spouse, on scene suspected to be responsible for the shooting death in this case. He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on murder charges.
This incident is believed to be domestic violence related in nature and is the Santa Maria Police Department’s sixth homicide this year.
The Detective Bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene. The Detective Bureau has taken over this investigation that is ongoing. More information will become available as the case develops.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Kevin Ochoa at (805) 928 - 3781 ext. 2460 or the Communications Center at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2277.
The SMPD Tip Line may also be reached anytime at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2677 (COPS).
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
On Friday, December 22, 2023, at about 6:30 AM, officers were sent to the 1300 block of Dolcetto Lane for a domestic disturbance involving a reported shooting. Officers promptly responded to the residence and secured the scene.
Officers determined a shooting had occurred and located an adult female on scene suffering from critical gunshot wound injuries. Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders, the adult female succumbed to her injures.
Officers arrested an adult male, the victim’s spouse, on scene suspected to be responsible for the shooting death in this case. He was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on murder charges.
This incident is believed to be domestic violence related in nature and is the Santa Maria Police Department’s sixth homicide this year.
The Detective Bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene. The Detective Bureau has taken over this investigation that is ongoing. More information will become available as the case develops.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Kevin Ochoa at (805) 928 - 3781 ext. 2460 or the Communications Center at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2277.
The SMPD Tip Line may also be reached anytime at (805) 928 – 3781 ext. 2677 (COPS).
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