Several reports of gunshots on the night of May 16 led authorities to a residential area in the 400 block of West Williams Street, where police said they found a man inside a parked car who was shot several times.
Santa Maria police responded to the scene shortly before 8:30 p.m. City fire fighters and personnel from American Medical Response also responded. The victim was Guadalupe resident Modesto Melendez, according to the Santa Maria Police Department.
Althought SMPD Lt. Dan cohen wouldn’t say if Melendez was already dead when they arrived on scene, he confirmed that the victim died from apparent gunshot wounds.
Residents of West Williams, who were at a house party a block away from where it happened, told the Sun that they didn’t hear any gunshots and weren’t aware that a man was shot and died until they saw postings on Facebook.
One resident, a young man in his early 20s who wanted to be identified as Chris, said he still felt safe in the neighborhood, but was a little uneasy after he learned about the shooting.
Police department detectives are actively investigating the case. As of the Sun’s press time, police hadn’t released any information on possible suspects, and no one had been arrested.
The SMPD is asking for the public’s assistance in helping to solve the crime. Anyone with information on the shooting can call the watch commander at 928-3781, Ext. 297. Callers may remain anonymous.
This article appears in May 21-28, 2015.
