A Santa Barbara man is guilty of first-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of a man at Stearns Wharf, a Superior Court jury found Wednesday morning. 

The verdict in the case came after less than a day of deliberations for the trial accusing Jiram Tenorio Ramon, 26, of fatally shooting Robert Gutierrez, an innocent bystander, during a shootout with a group of Ventura juveniles on Dec. 9, 2022. 

In their closing arguments on Tuesday, attorneys offered conflicting explanations for the killing of Gutierrez. Prosecutors contended it was the result of gang-related violence, while Tenorio Ramon’s attorney countered that it was a tragic side effect of self-defense.

Gutierrez, 52, of Camarillo, was visiting Stearns Wharf with his wife for their 20-year wedding anniversary at the time of the shooting. 

This is the second trial for Tenorio Ramon because of a mistrial in 2025. The jury could not reach a unanimous verdict, but attorney polling showed jurors had voted 11-1 in favor of a guilty verdict. The District Attorney’s Office decided to try the case again. 

On Wednesday, jurors found Tenorio Ramon guilty of first-degree murder and returned to deliberations to decide on several gang-related allegations.  

The jury was asked to consider a special circumstance stating whether Tenorio Ramon committed the crime as an active participant of the Westside gang.  

The jury returned early in the afternoon, stating that the special circumstance was true and that he committed the crime to benefit the gang. It also determined that Tenorio Ramon personally and intentionally fired the gun that killed Gutierrez.

The date for Tenorio Ramon’s sentencing was set for Oct. 29. Tenorio Ramon is facing a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

Tenorio Ramon is being held without bail in the Santa Barbara County Jail.

After the verdict was announced, the family and friends of Gutierrez expressed their relief that the trial was over and felt that they received justice.

Ruby Gutierrez-Carrier, Gutierrez’s sister, said she and the rest of the family are filled with gratitude.

“We had justice today, but some families don’t have justice,” she said. “…The justice system worked for us today. I have a newfound gratefulness for law enforcement and the justice system, and I pray that all those that are missing out there are found (to) give peace to the families.”

Ariana Gutierrez, the oldest daughter of Gutierrez, said the family is thankful that the trial is over and thanked the prosecution team for their hard work.

“We are relieved to be done with a trial like this,” she said. “And we’re ready to move forward and to finally have a resolution.”

Ariana Gutierrez said she remembers her father as the “coolest dad” and said he raised her and her sister, Carisa, to have a strong work ethic. She also remembered his humility, love for his community, and his deep love of soccer.

His love for the sport drove him to be a coach and referee. She added that he returned to school later in life to earn his master’s degree.

“Even in his death, he is still one of the most impressive people I have ever known in my life,” she said. “And we know that even though he’s gone, he loves us, and that’s all we can ask for.”

After the verdict, District Attorney John Savrnoch thanked Senior Deputy District Attorneys Tate McCallister and Carl Barnes for their work along with investigators, the Santa Barbara Police Department, and other staff.

He also expressed his thoughts for the family.

“This case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of gang violence,” Savrnoch said.

“Robert Gutierrez was enjoying an evening with his wife on Stearns Wharf as they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. In an instant, his life was taken, his wife lost her husband, his children lost their father, and the community lost a kind, hardworking man who was deeply loved. Our thoughts remain with Robert’s family and everyone who continues to mourn his loss.”

Santa Barbara Police Chief also released a statement in response to the verdict, thanking detectives and officers who worked on the investigation and prosecution.

“This verdict brings a measure of justice following a heartbreaking event that profoundly affected the Gutierrez family and the Santa Barbara community. Robert Gutierrez was an innocent bystander, and his death was a devastating loss to all who knew him,” the SBPD statement said.