A man has been arrested in connection with Saturday’s fatal shooting, Santa Maria police Lt. Jesse Silva said Thursday.
At 4:30 p.m. Jan. 2, officers were dispatched to a shooting in the 900 block of West El Camino Street.
The victim, Kevin Alan Najarro, 35, of Santa Maria was declared dead at the scene after being shot multiple times, Silva said.
Patrol officers and detectives immediately launched an investigation, working through the weekend “with great success,” Silva added.
Evidence located during the investigation led to the arrest of Robert Anthony Molina, 35, of Santa Maria, as the alleged shooter, police said.
Police found Molina at an apartment in the 200 block of North Depot Street and took him into custody.
Detectives remained mum about the motive for the shooting but say it is not believed to be related to gang activity.
“We are grateful to members of the community who offered assistance,” Silva said. “This case would not have not been possible without your truly meaningful contributions.”
Anyone with information about this shooting can contact Detective David Kulp at 805.928.3781, ext. 1643 or the Police Department’s tip line at 805.928.3781, ext. 2677 (COPS).
Molina has been booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail with bail set at $3 million.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.