On October 21, 2023, at about 12:32 a.m., a large backyard party in the 1000 block of North School Street in Santa Maria, California, erupted in gunfire. Among the victims was 20-year-old Santa Maria resident Arthur Pichardo, who died at the scene. Three other people — one juvenile and two adults — suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and are expected to recover.

Investigators say a physical altercation preceded the shooting and that numerous witnesses were at the party; detectives are trying to identify and interview those present. No arrests have been announced and no suspect identities have been released. The Santa Maria Police Department asks anyone with information to contact Detective Brian Santiago at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1362, or the Communications Center at (805) 928-3781, ext. 2277.

Family and friends have held memorials and a GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral expenses. Does anyone who attended or lived nearby that night have information to share?