Advisory
***UPDATE - Victim Identified***
Assault Incident Leads to Homicide Investigation and Arrest
***UPDATE - Victim Identified***
Assault Incident Leads to Homicide Investigation and Arrest 
Updated Release - Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Case #: SMPD24-0010508
The Santa Maria Police Department has identified the victim in the homicide investigation that occurred on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Santa Maria resident, Jose Luis Martinez Cruz.
Due to the sensitive nature of this investigation, no further details are being released at this time. The case has been forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office for filing.
Stay connected with the Santa Maria Police Department by following us on social media (@SMPDHQ) and visiting our website at https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/police-department.
Original Release - Monday, July 29, 2024
Case #: SMPD24-0010508
On Sunday, July 28, 2024, at approximately 7:38 PM, officers from the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) were dispatched to a self-storage complex in the 1900 block of N. Preisker Lane in response to a reported assault.
Upon arrival, SMPD officers found an adult male victim unconscious and suffering from serious head trauma. Officers provided immediate aid and support until Santa Maria Fire & AMR Ambulance personnel arrived and took over. The victim was subsequently transported to Marian Regional Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment.
The SMPD Patrol Bureau quickly determined that the victim had been assaulted, resulting in serious life-threatening injuries. Officers learned that the assailant, identified as 30-year-old Santa Maria resident Carlos Israel Loyola, stole the victim’s car and fled the area following the attack. SMPD officers located Loyola driving the victim’s vehicle in an unincorporated area in San Luis Obispo County near the US 101 & SR 166 interchange. Loyola attempted to evade officers but collided with a marked SMPD police car, rendering his vehicle inoperable. SMPD officers safely took Loyola into custody at approximately 8:02 PM, less than half an hour after the initial call for service. No one was injured during the collision.
Tragically, despite the best efforts of first responders and medical personnel, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The victim’s identity is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Loyola was booked into the Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail on the charge of 187 PC – murder. He is being held on $2 million dollars bail.
The Santa Maria Police Department's Detective Bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene. The Detective Bureau has taken over this investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
Individuals with any information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact Detective Whitney at (805) 928-3781 ext. 1329 or the Communications Center at (805) 928-3781 ext. 2277.
Anonymous tips may be provided through the SMPD Tip Line at (805) 928-3781 ext. 2677 (COPS).
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
Case #: SMPD24-0010508
The Santa Maria Police Department has identified the victim in the homicide investigation that occurred on Sunday, July 28, 2024. The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Santa Maria resident, Jose Luis Martinez Cruz.
Due to the sensitive nature of this investigation, no further details are being released at this time. The case has been forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office for filing.
Stay connected with the Santa Maria Police Department by following us on social media (@SMPDHQ) and visiting our website at https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/departments/police-department.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
Original Release - Monday, July 29, 2024
Case #: SMPD24-0010508
On Sunday, July 28, 2024, at approximately 7:38 PM, officers from the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) were dispatched to a self-storage complex in the 1900 block of N. Preisker Lane in response to a reported assault.
Upon arrival, SMPD officers found an adult male victim unconscious and suffering from serious head trauma. Officers provided immediate aid and support until Santa Maria Fire & AMR Ambulance personnel arrived and took over. The victim was subsequently transported to Marian Regional Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment.
The SMPD Patrol Bureau quickly determined that the victim had been assaulted, resulting in serious life-threatening injuries. Officers learned that the assailant, identified as 30-year-old Santa Maria resident Carlos Israel Loyola, stole the victim’s car and fled the area following the attack. SMPD officers located Loyola driving the victim’s vehicle in an unincorporated area in San Luis Obispo County near the US 101 & SR 166 interchange. Loyola attempted to evade officers but collided with a marked SMPD police car, rendering his vehicle inoperable. SMPD officers safely took Loyola into custody at approximately 8:02 PM, less than half an hour after the initial call for service. No one was injured during the collision.
Tragically, despite the best efforts of first responders and medical personnel, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced deceased at the hospital. The victim’s identity is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Loyola was booked into the Santa Barbara County North Branch Jail on the charge of 187 PC – murder. He is being held on $2 million dollars bail.
The Santa Maria Police Department's Detective Bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene. The Detective Bureau has taken over this investigation, which remains active and ongoing.
Individuals with any information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact Detective Whitney at (805) 928-3781 ext. 1329 or the Communications Center at (805) 928-3781 ext. 2277.
Anonymous tips may be provided through the SMPD Tip Line 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
