A man from Washington and three others have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a teenager in a parking structure in Santa Maria, California, nearly two years ago. The Santa Maria Police Department announced the arrests, stating that the investigation into the incident led to the identification of four documented gang members as suspects in the case. The shooting occurred on February 4, 2022, when police responded to multiple reports of gunfire at the city-owned parking structure near the Santa Maria Town Center mall. Seventeen-year-old Alexis Mendoza was found with fatal gunshot wounds, while a 24-year-old woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The ongoing investigation resulted in the issuance of arrest warrants for the murder of Mendoza. With the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Office and Washington authorities, 22-year-old Alexis Ramirez Carmona was apprehended in Lake Stevens, Washington, where he had been residing. He is currently awaiting extradition back to Santa Barbara County. Additionally, three Santa Maria residents, including 20-year-old Irvin Yair Gabino and two 19-year-old males who were juveniles at the time of the incident, were already in custody for unrelated crimes. They have now been formally booked on charges related to the February 2022 killing.
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The names of the two 19-year-old suspects were not released due to their age at the time of the shooting. It is worth noting that at least one of the suspects had previously been arrested for another fatal shooting. All four individuals have been booked on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and gang enhancement violations. The Santa Maria Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding the case to contact Detective Cole Whitney, the lead investigator, at the provided phone number.
The arrests provide a significant breakthrough in the investigation and bring hope to the victim’s family, who have been in constant contact with the police throughout the process. The community also welcomes the progress made in holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
