Santa Maria Man Sentenced 35 Years to Life for Murder

By the edhat staff

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch announced Wednesday that Erik Rocha Fernandez, 22 of Santa Maria, has pled guilty to murder.

Fernandez pled guilty to using a firearm that caused the death of Frankie Placido Hernandez, 29 of Santa Maria, on May 28, 2021 in the City of Santa Maria.

Santa Maria Police discovered Hernandez deceased with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle near the Broadway overpass and Highway 101.

During the investigation, detectives learned the actual shooting scene was found near a business, located in the 100 block of E. Grant Street. They identified Rocha Fernandez as a suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Erik Rocha Fernandez

At the time the exact motive for the shooting was under investigation, although the police stated this incident does not appear to be gang related.

Less than a day later, detectives located Rocha Fernandez riding a bicycle on Donovan Road at N. Elm Street, where he was contacted and arrested.

Rocha Fernandez pled guilty to one felony count of first degree murder and admitted an enhancement for intentionally and personally using a firearm which caused death. He also pled guilty to the attempted murder of another man and conspiracy to commit witness intimidation by force or fear.

The District Attorney’s Office states he will receive a sentence of 10 years followed by 25 years to life in the state prison.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Madison Whitmore represented the District Attorney in this matter and the case was investigated by Santa Maria Police Department Detective Zack Robbins.

Rocha Fernandez is set for sentencing in Santa Barbara County Superior Court – Santa Maria Division, May 5, 2023 at 8:30 a.m., in Department 7.