Santa Maria, Calif. – A Santa Barbara County jury delivered a guilty verdict on September 4, 2026, finding Kevin Medrano responsible for the first‑degree murder of Robert “Bobby” Valencia. The fatal shooting occurred on February 4, 2023, when Medrano and an accomplice approached a home on North Railroad Road around 11:46 p.m. and fired six rounds into the residence after Valencia opened the door.
Valencia succumbed to his injuries, and another occupant was wounded by the gunfire. After the attack, Medrano and the second suspect fled the scene. Investigators conducted a week‑long canvass of the surrounding neighborhood, gathering surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses, FLOCK camera data, cell‑phone location records, social‑media messages, and firearms evidence to trace Medrano’s movements before and after the shooting.
Evidence and Investigation
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office detailed how the compiled evidence placed Medrano’s vehicle near the North Railroad Road home minutes before the attack. Cell‑phone records showed Medrano’s phone was turned off during the critical 15‑minute window surrounding the murder. Detectives also linked the suspect to the firearms used in the crime.
District Attorney John T. Savrnoch praised the investigative team, stating, “This was an incredibly difficult case that required investigators and prosecutors to piece together a tremendous amount of circumstantial evidence to show what happened that night.” He highlighted Detective Brian Santiago of the Santa Maria Police Department for leading the investigation from its inception through trial.
Trial and Additional Convictions
In addition to the murder charge, a separate hearing on September 16, presided over by Judge Imel, resulted in Medrano being found guilty of felon‑in‑possession of a firearm and all special allegations presented by the prosecution.
The district attorney’s office also noted that Medrano faces two other pending felony cases, which could affect his eventual sentencing.
Sentencing Outlook
Medrano is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on October 21, 2026. Under California law, the murder conviction carries a potential penalty of 50 years to life in state prison. The sentencing hearing will consider the additional felony convictions and the pending cases.
“This truly was a team effort,” Savrnoch added. “I am grateful to Cathy Martin and Bryant Estep for the enormous amount of work they put into presenting this case to the jury, and to everyone from our Office and our law‑enforcement partners who worked behind the scenes to bring this case to trial.” He also recognized Victim Witness Advocate Bianett Garcia for supporting Valencia’s family throughout the nearly three‑year process.
District Attorney Savrnoch expressed hope that the verdict would bring some measure of justice to Bobby Valencia’s family and loved ones, concluding a lengthy investigation that began shortly after the tragic night in February 2023.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
