UPDATED RELEASE – December 27, 2024
Case #: SMPD24-0016556
On Friday, December 27, 2024, at approximately 2:00 AM, the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) Detective Bureau, with support from the SMPD SWAT Team and the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office (SBSO) Special Enforcement Team, executed a warrant operation connected to the December 10, 2024, homicide on W. Sheila Lane. The victim was identified as 20-year-old Anthony Hernandez of Santa Maria.
After a thorough investigation, search warrants were obtained for three locations, and arrest warrants were issued for three suspects, all residents of Santa Maria.
Jesus Lopez-Ramirez, 18, and a 16-year-old male juvenile were arrested on charges of murder (Penal Code 187) with gang enhancements (Penal Code 186.22(b)).
Alex Lopez-Ramirez, 21, was arrested as an accessory after the fact (Penal Code 32).
The warrants were executed at two locations in Santa Maria, on the 300 blocks of W. Newlove Drive and West Street, and a third location in Casmalia on the 2900 block of Associated Road. All three suspects were arrested without incident. Jesus Lopez-Ramirez and Alex Lopez-Ramirez were booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail, while the juvenile was booked into the Santa Maria Juvenile Hall.
Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact Detective Hesch at (805) 928-3781 ext. 1349, the SMPD Communications Center at ext. 2277, or the Anonymous Tip Line at ext. 2677.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
(805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1307
ORIGINAL RELEASE – December 11, 2024
Case #: SMPD24-0016556
On Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at approximately 8:42 PM, Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 300 block of W. Sheila Lane.
Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds near a residence. Officers provided life-saving aid until emergency medical personnel arrived and transported the victim to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement and medical teams, the victim tragically succumbed to his injuries. The victim has been identified as 20-year-old Santa Maria resident Anthony Hernandez.
The Santa Maria Police Department's Detective Bureau, supported by the Crime Lab, responded to the scene and has assumed responsibility for this active and ongoing investigation.
Limited information is being released at this time. However, SMPD is urging anyone with information related to this incident to come forward.
Contact Information:
Detective Hesch (lead investigator): (805) 928-3781 ext. 1349
SMPD Communications Center: (805) 928-3781 ext. 2277
Anonymous Tips (SMPD Tip Line): (805) 928-3781 ext. 2677 (COPS)
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
Detective Bureau Supervisor
(805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1307
