A Washington man and three others have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a teen in a Santa Maria parking structure nearly two years ago, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.
Just before midnight on Feb. 4, 2022, Santa Maria police officers responded to several reports of a shooting at the city-owned parking structure near the Santa Maria Town Center mall, 120 E. Main St., said Lt. Daniel Rios.
Officers located Alexis Mendoza, 17, who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
A 24-year-old woman, whose name was not released, also suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. She was treated at a local hospital and released.
Detectives and crime lab personnel responded to investigate the incident, with police remaining in contact with the victim’s family throughout their investigation
“The ongoing investigation resulted in four documented gang members being identified as suspects in this case and arrest warrants being issued for the murder of Mendoza,” Rios said.
With assistance from the U.S. Marshal’s Office and Washington authorities, Alexis Ramirez Carmona, 22, was taken into custody Nov. 22, in Lake Stevens, Washington, where he had been living, Rios said.
He is awaiting extradition back Santa Barbara County, Rios added.
Three Santa Maria residents allegedly linked to the killing — including Irvin Yair Gabino, 20, and two 19-year-old males who were juveniles at the time — were already in custody for other crimes, Rios said.
Gabino and the other two suspects were formally booked Monday on charges related to the February 2022 killing.
Names of the 19-year-old men were not released due to their ages at the time of the shooting.
The suspects include at least one man who had been arrested for a different fatal shooting.
All four suspects were booked on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, and gang enhancement violations, Rios said.
Anyone with information related to this investigation can contact the lead investigator, Detective Cole Whitney, at 805.928. 3781, ext. 1329.