Kevin Alan Najarro, a 35-year-old resident of Santa Maria, California, tragically lost his life on January 2, 2021, due to a fatal shooting. The incident occurred on West El Camino Street around 4:30 p.m. when Santa Maria Police officers responded to reports of gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, they found Najarro with multiple gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The initial investigation revealed that the suspect or suspects had fled before the police arrived, and the shooting was not believed to be gang-related.
The Santa Maria Police Department launched an intensive investigation into the homicide. Detectives worked tirelessly through the weekend and the following week, gathering evidence and following leads. Their efforts paid off when they identified Robert Anthony Molina, a 35-year-old resident of Santa Maria, as the primary suspect in the shooting. Molina was located at an apartment on North Depot Street and was taken into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail on charges of murder, with bail set at $3,000,000.
Further details emerged during the investigation, indicating that the shooting might have been preceded by a dice game. This information provided additional context to the events leading up to Najarro's death. The community's assistance played a crucial role in the investigation, with many individuals coming forward with valuable information that helped the detectives piece together the case.
The Santa Maria Police Department expressed their condolences to Najarro's family and friends, acknowledging the profound loss caused by this senseless act of violence. They also commended the dedication and hard work of the officers and detectives involved in the case, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of the community and holding those responsible for such crimes accountable. The investigation into Kevin Alan Najarro's death highlighted the importance of community cooperation and the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement agencies.
