UPDATE
This is an update to a homicide that occurred on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at approximately 9:38 p.m., in the 300 block of East McElhaney.
The victim in this investigation has been identified as Evaristo Ortiz Cortez, 44 years of age, a resident of Santa Maria.
This case is still under investigation. The Santa Maria Police Department is requesting anyone with information contact Detective Rubio, at 805-928-3781 1682.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at approximately 9:38 p.m., Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) officers were dispatched to the 300 block of East McElhany Street regarding a reported fight and stabbing.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim inside a nearby apartment suffering from a stab wound(s). Officers provided aid and requested emergency medical personnel. The victim was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
During the preliminary investigation, officers identified the suspect as 59-year-old Gustavo Hernandez, a resident of Santa Maria. Hernandez was located at a neighboring residence and taken into custody by patrol officers without incident.
The Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau and Crime Lab responded to the scene to assist. Detectives assumed control of the investigation. Hernandez was later booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on a charge of Penal Code 187 – Homicide and is being held on $2,000,000 bail.
This incident marks the City of Santa Maria’s second homicide of the 2025 calendar year.
The case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office for filing.
The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact SMPD Detective Juan Rubio at (805) 928-3781, ext. 1682.
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I thought there were way more than 2 homicides this year in SM. Maybe just a lot of stabbings and shootings with survivors. Glad there hasn’t been more deaths, but yikes!
On Tuesday afternoon, detectives released the victim’s name as Evaristo Ortiz Cortez, 44, of Santa Maria.
A GoFundMe page,”Help Us Honor the Memory of Our Beloved Dad,” has been started to assist the family with funeral expenses. “My family and I are devastated as we face an unimaginable loss,” the site says. “My dad was attacked as we were about to go to sleep, and tragically taken from us in our home this past weekend.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/qx42z-help-us-honor-the-memory-of-our-beloved-dad
Oh no, that is tragic. Poor kids. Too much senseless violence.