Richard Andrew Cardona, a 43-year-old resident of Goleta, California, tragically lost his life on February 10, 2022, due to gunshot wounds. The incident occurred at the Pacifica Suites hotel on Hollister Avenue, where reports of shots fired were made around 8 p.m. Upon arrival, Sheriff’s deputies found a significant amount of blood and broken glass at the scene, indicating a violent altercation.
Cardona was admitted to Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital approximately an hour after the shooting, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite the medical team's efforts, he was pronounced dead at 9:40 p.m. that evening.
The investigation revealed that the shooting was not a random act of violence. Detectives believe that Cardona and the suspect were familiar with each other, suggesting a personal motive behind the attack. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office launched an extensive investigation, involving crime scene technicians and the California Department of Justice Bureau of Forensic Services. Witnesses reported seeing a gray BMW near the scene around the time of the shooting, which became a crucial lead in the investigation.
In the days following the incident, two suspects were arrested in connection with Cardona's death. Isaiah Alexander, 34, and Anthony Torres Lopez Jr., 36, were taken into custody. Alexander faced multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and residential burglary. He was also charged with special allegations for prior violent offenses and being out on bail at the time of the shooting. The arrests brought some relief to Cardona's grieving family, who described him as a loving and loyal family man, despite his struggles with personal issues.
The case against the suspects proceeded through the legal system, with the District Attorney announcing the charges and the ongoing investigation to gather more evidence. The community of Goleta was urged to provide any additional information that could assist in the case, highlighting the collaborative effort between law enforcement and the public to seek justice for Richard Andrew Cardona.
