Anthony Hernandez, 20, was shot on December 10, 2024, in the 300 block of West Sheila Lane in Santa Maria. Officers arrived about 8:42 p.m. and found Hernandez with multiple gunshot wounds; he was given life-saving aid and taken to Marian Regional Medical Center, but later died. His death was classified as a homicide.

On December 27, 2024, search warrants were executed at three locations — two in the 300 blocks of West Newlove Drive and West Street in Santa Maria, and one in the 2900 block of Associated Road in Casmalia — and three people were arrested. Eighteen-year-old Jesus Lopez-Ramirez and a 16-year-old male juvenile were arrested on suspicion of murder with gang enhancements. Twenty-one-year-old Alex Lopez-Ramirez was arrested on suspicion of being an accessory after the fact; all were taken into custody without incident.

Hernandez is survived by his parents and four siblings; his family set up a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses and described him as kind, smart, funny and full of life. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Erik Hesch at 805-928-3781 ext. 1349, the Santa Maria Police Department Communications Center at ext. 2277, or the Anonymous Tip Line at ext. 2677.