One Dead Following Shooting at Westside Park in Santa Barbara

UPDATE: The victim has been identified. Read the full update here.

On February 20, 2026, at approximately 1:31 a.m., officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department were dispatched to Bohnett Park, located at 1200 San Pascual Street, for a report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim suffering from a gunshot wound, as well as an additional uninjured victim at the scene. Officers immediately began providing life-saving measures to the injured victim until paramedics arrived.

The victim was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital for further medical treatment. Despite lifesaving efforts, the victim tragically succumbed to his injuries after arriving at the hospital.

Preliminary investigation indicates the suspect(s) may have fled the area in an unknown model vehicle prior to officers’ arrival.

Based on the investigation thus far, this appears to be an isolated incident and there does not appear to be any ongoing threat or danger to the public.

The crime scene remains secured while officers and detectives continue their investigation. At this time, no additional suspect information is available.

The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

At this point, it is too early in the investigation to determine if the incident was gang related.

The 1200 block of San Pascual Street was closed for crime scene processing and re-opened around 11:45 a.m.

Upon request from the Santa Barbara Police Department, expert criminal forensic investigators from the California Department of Justice assisted in collecting evidence.

If anyone has information about this homicide, please contact the SBPD dispatch center at 805-882-8900 or SBPD Detective S. Marquez at 805-897-2331.

Information can also provide anonymously through our online reporting system by clicking: Online Police Reporting System | City of Santa Barbara

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

Santa Barbara Police have at least 15 evidence markers at the scene of a fatal shooting this morning on San Pascual St. near Anapamu St. on the Santa Barbara westside.Neighbors say they heard “multiple gunshots.” The area has been sealed off since 1:30 a.m. pic.twitter.com/rG94V7YHmf

— John Palminteri (@JohnPalminteri) February 20, 2026