Police Investigating Santa Maria’s First Murder of 2013

SANTA MARIA – Police are investigating the city’s first homicide of the new year, and the murder appears to be gang-related.

Police found the victim here at the corner of Curryer and W. Mill St

Investigators were called to the 500 block of West Mill Street just before 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday after receiving reports of shots fired and a male subject in the street.

Upon arrival, officers located a 24-year-old Hispanic male lying in the street with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to Marian Medical Center in Santa Maria, where he died from his injuries, police said.

Witnesses were able to provide police with a description of a vehicle that was seen leaving the area immediately after the fatal shooting. Detectives were able to locate an unoccupied car that matched the description of the vehicle provided by witnesses.

The car is in police possession, although investigators aren’t releasing any information about the vehicle so their ongoing investigation into the murder isn’t compromised, according to Sgt. Terry Flaa.

Police also aren’t releasing the name of the shooting victim as his next of kin have yet to be notified.

At this time, investigators are continuing their efforts to locate the person or persons that are responsible for the shooting.

Anyone with information about the fatal shooting is urged to call the Santa Maria Police Department at (805) 928-3781. Anonymous tips can also be left by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-877-800-9100.

Read More:

KCOY: Police Investigating First Homicide of 2013

Santa Maria Times: SM Police Investigate Shooting Death