Trial Scheduled for Three Men involved in Fatal Santa Maria Robbery

Three Santa Maria residents are set to face trial over a fatal robbery attempt in December 2023, which resulted in the death of one individual and serious injuries to another.

The accused, Andrew Paul Garcia, 34, Arnulfo Ramirez-Villavicencio Jr., 45, and David Olaf Barajas, 35, underwent a preliminary hearing last week, resulting in the advancement of their case to trial as per Judge Stephen Dunkle’s ruling in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court.

The charges stem from a December 17 incident, which claimed the life of 33-year-old Joshua Anthony Maldonado and left Agustin Villavicencio critically wounded. Initially identified by Santa Maria police in May, the trio reportedly engaged in a robbery during a large gathering on West Cook Street, leading to a confrontation that escalated into gunfire.

Highlighting the severity of the charges, Garcia faces accusations of murder, attempted murder, alongside alleged attempts at robbery and conspiracy, compounded by his history of felony convictions. His accomplices, Barajas and Ramirez-Villavicencio, face trial for attempted robbery and conspiracy, with additional scrutiny due to the involvement of firearms in the crime.

A notable aspect of the case is Barajas’s potential third strike under California’s stringent Three Strikes law, considering his prior convictions.

With Barajas and Garcia currently detained without bail, and Ramirez-Villavicencio on bail, the trio’s legal battle continues as they prepare for arraignment next Monday.