Santa Maria Man Found in In-n-Out Parking Lot with Stab Wounds Succumbs to Injuries

On May 22, 2026, the Santa Maria Police Department was notified by Marian Regional Medical Center that the victim involved in the May 16 stabbing incident succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

The victim’s identity is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The suspect remains in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Santa Maria Police Department at (805) 928-3781. Please ask for Detective Hesch at extension 1349 or Detective J. Rubio at extension 1682.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Original Press Release Issued on May 16, 2026

On 05/16/26 at approx. 1850 hours, [Santa Maria Police Department] officers were dispatched to In-N-Out for a report of a stabbing victim in a vehicle in the parking lot.

Officers located a 21 year old male suffering from multiple stab wounds.

The early stages of the investigation revealed that the stabbing did not occur at the restaurant but had in fact occurred in the 200 block of E. Plaza Dr.

The victim was transported to Marian ER in critical condition, and the investigation is ongoing. 

Anybody with information is asked to contact Detective Hesch at (805)928-3781 x 1349