A 20-year-old Santa Maria man was fatally shot Tuesday night in a neighborhood in south Santa Maria. 

At approximately 8:42 p.m, Santa Maria Police Department officers and other emergency personnel responded to reports of a shooting on the 300 block of West Sheila Lane, off South Thornburg Street.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds near a residence,” Lt. Daniel Rios said.

Officers provided lifesaving aid until emergency medical personnel arrived and transported the victim to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment.

“Despite the efforts of law enforcement and medical teams, the victim tragically succumbed to his injuries,” Rios said.

Police identified the victim as 20-year-old Anthony Hernandez.

The Police Department’s Detective Bureau, supported by Crime Lab personnel, responded to the scene and has assumed responsibility for the ongoing investigation.

Detectives have not released other information, including a possible motive for the shooting.

Police have urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Erik Hesch by calling 805.928.3781 ex1349 or the SMPD Communications Center at 805.928.3781 x2277. 

Anonymous tips can be made by calling the SMPD Tip Line at 805.928.3781 x2677 (COPS). 

A GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral costs can be found by clicking here. 

“Anthony was loved so much. Anthony touched so many lives and was loved by all who knew him. Anthony was only 20 years old, leaving behind four siblings and two parents that loved him deeply,” his sister said. “He was so kind, smart, funny, full a life. He was taken away from us too soon.”