Santa Maria Police release names from murder-suicide case

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - The Santa Maria Police Department released the names of the parties involved in the murder-suicide that took place on Jan. 16.

Santa Maria police had responded to the residence on the 800 block of West Creston Street when they found two people dead, each sustaining a gunshot wound.

The preliminary investigation of this incident indicated it was a murder-suicide.

The two people involved were identified as husband and wife. The victim is identified as Zoila Reyna Ramirez, 58. The suspect is identified as Roberto Alcala Ramirez, 64.

The Santa Maria Police Department Detective Bureau is continuing to investigate the motive of this murder-suicide.

Police as that anyone with information related to this investigation contact Detective Silver at (805) 928-3781 ext. 1346.

The Santa Maria police also want to refer the community to mental illness and domestic violence resources.

Information for Domestic Violence Solutions of Santa Barbara County can be located at dvsolutions.org or by calling the 24-hour Crisis & Information Hotline at (805) 925-2160 (Santa Maria).  

Additionally, those in need of mental health assistance can call the Santa Barbara County Department of Behavioral Wellness Crisis Response and Service Access Line at 1-888-868-1649, or Safe Alternatives for Treatment of Youth (SAFTY) at 1-888-334-2777.  A National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is also available at 1-800-273-8255.