On November 1, 2024, shortly after midnight, gunfire broke out at a fast-food restaurant on the 400 block of East Betteravia Road in Santa Maria following a dispute between two groups. Two people were shot: 18-year-old Robert Estrada of Nipomo and a 17-year-old male. Both were taken to Marian Regional Medical Center; the 17-year-old survived with non-life-threatening injuries while Robert Estrada died of his wounds on November 5, 2024.

Detectives identified 41-year-old Casey Jose Pacheco Hernandez of Santa Maria and his 19-year-old son, Casey Hernandez Jr. of Oceano, as primary suspects. Search warrants at both homes on November 1 led to arrests and seizure of an abandoned vehicle alleged to be linked to the shooting. The Santa Barbara County District Attorney charged both men with Estrada’s murder and four counts of attempted murder; Casey Pacheco Hernandez was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. They pleaded not guilty on November 6 and were held without bail pending a November 14 preliminary hearing.

Estrada’s death prompted a GoFundMe to help his family; funeral services were held November 22 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with burial at Santa Maria Cemetery. The investigation is ongoing — anyone with information is asked to contact Violent Crimes Unit Detective Brian Santiago at 805-928-3781 ext. 1362.