In the early hours of Friday, November 1, 2024, at approximately 12:46 AM, officers from the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) responded to reports of gunfire at a fast food restaurant located in the 400 block of E. Betteravia Rd. An altercation between two groups had escalated into a shooting, resulting in two victims sustaining gunshot wounds. An 18-year-old male is in critical condition, while 17-year-old male sustained injuries that are not life-threatening. Both were transported to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment.
The SMPD Detective Bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene and detectives took over the investigation, which remained highly active. Detectives have identified two suspects in connection with the shooting: 41-year-old Casey Jose Pacheco Hernandez of Santa Maria and his 19-year-old son, Casey Hernandez Junior, from Oceano, CA.
On November 1, 2024, at around 1:39 PM, the Detective Bureau, supported by the SWAT team, executed a warrant service operation at Pacheco Hernandez’s Santa Maria residence, where he was taken into custody. Hernandez Junior was also apprehended later, around 6:30 PM, in Oceano, where Detectives and the SWAT team conducted a second warrant service operation.
The vehicle reportedly used during the crime was found abandoned in Santa Maria and has since been secured as evidence.
Both suspects were booked into Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of attempted murder, with bail set at $2 million. SMPD detectives, along with a Victim Witness advocate, are actively providing support to the victims’ families.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Violent Crimes Unit Detective Brian Santiago at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1362.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
(805) 928 - 3781 ext. 1307
