Murder Charge Filed Against Driver in 2024 Collision that Killed a Santa Maria Woman

An Orcutt man has been charged with murder stemming from a fatal traffic collision in 2024.

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch  announced Wednesday that a felony complaint has been filed against Jordan Gutierrez, 27, charging him with one count of murder for the September 23, 2024, death of Sharlene Plunkett in Santa Maria.

The collision took place during the early morning hours on Highway 135 near the intersection of Foster Road in Orcutt.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated the collision occurred when a 2020 Nissan Altima, driven by Gutierrez, veered into the opposing lane, colliding head-on with a 2015 Honda Civic driven by Plunkett.

Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Plunkett succumbed to her injuries. She was 79.

Plunkett was born and was Lovingly known as “Manang” within her Filipino family. She graduated from Waipahu High School in 1963 where she went on to study at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, according to her obituary.

“With a heart full of love and grace, she always brought empathy and laughter to her family and friends. Special occasions like birthdays and holidays were particularly important to her as no celebration was too little to appreciate. Rest assured you would receive a beautifully handwritten card, or an excited phone call to express her care and affection. Her thoughtfulness and compassion for others was immeasurable,” the obituary stated.

Gutierrez was scheduled for further arraignment on the complaint in Santa Maria Superior Court  Department 9 on Thursday. He is being held in county jail with $1,000,000 bail.  

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