Advisory
SMPD Investigates Fatal Stabbing - One Suspect in Custody
SMPD Investigates Fatal Stabbing - One Suspect in Custody 
Case #: SMPD25-0006995
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at approximately 9:38 p.m., Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) officers were dispatched to the 300 block of East McElhany Street regarding a reported fight and stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim inside a nearby apartment suffering from a stab wound(s). Officers provided aid and requested emergency medical personnel. The victim was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
During the preliminary investigation, officers identified the suspect as 59-year-old Gustavo Hernandez, a resident of Santa Maria. Hernandez was located at a neighboring residence and taken into custody by patrol officers without incident.
The Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene to assist. Detectives assumed control of the investigation. Hernandez was later booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on a charge of Penal Code 187 – Homicide and is being held on $2,000,000 bail.
This incident marks the City of Santa Maria’s second homicide of the 2025 calendar year.
The case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for filing.
The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact SMPD Detective Juan Rubio at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1682.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
(805) 928 - 3781 ext. 1307
[email protected]
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at approximately 9:38 p.m., Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) officers were dispatched to the 300 block of East McElhany Street regarding a reported fight and stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim inside a nearby apartment suffering from a stab wound(s). Officers provided aid and requested emergency medical personnel. The victim was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
During the preliminary investigation, officers identified the suspect as 59-year-old Gustavo Hernandez, a resident of Santa Maria. Hernandez was located at a neighboring residence and taken into custody by patrol officers without incident.
The Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene to assist. Detectives assumed control of the investigation. Hernandez was later booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on a charge of Penal Code 187 – Homicide and is being held on $2,000,000 bail.
This incident marks the City of Santa Maria’s second homicide of the 2025 calendar year.
The case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for filing.
The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact SMPD Detective Juan Rubio at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1682.
Prepared by:
Daniel Rios, Lieutenant
(805) 928 - 3781 ext. 1307
[email protected]
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781
