On May 16, 2026, at approximately 6:50PM, Santa Maria Police Department officers were dispatched to the In-N-Out parking lot regarding a report of a stabbing victim inside a vehicle. Officers arrived and located a 21-year-old male suffering from multiple stab wounds.
The preliminary investigation revealed the stabbing did not occur at the restaurant, but instead in the 200 block of East Plaza Drive. The victim was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
On May 22, 2026, the Santa Maria Police Department was notified by Marian Regional Medical Center that the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
The victim has been identified as Steven Vargas, 21 years of age, of Nipomo, California.
The suspect, Carlos Miguel Vazquez, 24 years of age, of Santa Maria, remains in custody at the Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of 187 PC, Murder.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department at (805) 928-3781 and ask for Detective Hesch at extension 1349 or Detective J. Rubio at extension 1682.
Prepared by: Lieutenant Andy Magallon
