UPDATE (Tuesday, Dec. 31) - The Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office announced Tuesday that charges have been filed against the three people arrested last week in connection with the December 10 killing of Anthony Hernandez in Santa Maria.
Jesus Lopez-Ramirez, 18, is charged with first-degree murder, possession of an assault rifle, possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying a loaded firearm without proper registration, and street terrorism. He also faces a special circumstance for murder committed to further the activities of a criminal street gang.
The 16-year-old who was arrested is also charged with first-degree murder and the same special circumstance.
Alex Brandon Lopez-Ramirez, 21, is charged with possession of an assault rifle, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, street terrorism, and accessory after the crime of murder.
Jesus Lopez-Ramirez and Alex Lopez-Ramirez are brothers, according to police.
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(Friday, Dec. 27, 2024) - Three people have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of a 20-year-old in Santa Maria earlier this month.
Santa Maria police say they served search warrants at three locations – two in Santa Maria on the 300 blocks of W. Newlove Drive and West Street and a third along the 2900 block of Associated Road in Casmalia – early Friday morning.
Jesus Lopez-Ramirez, 18, and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of murder, according to police.
Alex Lopez-Ramirez, 21, was booked on a charge of accessory after the fact.
All three are said to be from Santa Maria and police confirm to KSBY that Jesus and Alex Lopez-Ramirez are brothers.
The arrests stem from the shooting of Anthony Hernandez, 20, of Santa Maria on Dec. 10 along W. Sheila Lane.
Police have not released a possible motive.
Anyone with information that could help police with their investigation into this case is asked to contact Detective Hesch at (805) 928-3781 ext. 1349 or the Santa Maria Police Department Communications Center at ext. 2277. Anonymous tips can be submitted through ext. 2677.
