17 Suspected Santa Maria Gang Members Indicted on Murder Charges

The court process continues in Santa Maria for over a dozen alleged gang members, accused of murder.

They’re known as MS-13 – an international gang that police say for more than three years, terrorized the city of Santa Maria. The number of homicides spiked until police arrested those accused earlier this year. Tonight a Grand Jury has issued new indictments against those charged with murder.

17 suspects have been indicted, 12 of those indicted for First Degree Murder – another five indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Murder – among several other additional charges.

People around town told KCOY they’re relieved to see this case moving forward.

“In the beginning yea I was scared for my girlfriend and our son,” Santa Barbara County resident Cole Berea said.

The beginning of 2016 was a nervous time for a lot of people around Santa Maria – like Cole Berea and his family.

“Yea that’s why I went out and got my gun license,” Berea said.

12 of those 17 suspects who are facing First Degree Murder are also facing Special circumstances of Multiple Murder, Lying in wait, Special circumstance of Torture, special allegations of Principal Use of a Firearm Causing Death, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Attempted Murder, Criminal Street Gang Conspiracy, Witness intimidation by Force and Conspiracy to Commit Street Terrorism.

The suspects face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

“Ten victims who have died and they’ve charged the suspects with murder,” Senior Deputy District Attorney Ann Bramsen said.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Ann Bramsen says there’s also 14 victims who survived the violence. Court records show all the incidents took place between January 2013 and March of this year.

Five additional people were arraigned for Conspiracy to Commit Murder.

“The charges include gang charges on everyone,” Bramsen said.

One of those people accused is Jose Bonilla Mejia. His defense attorney, Tom Allen, says his client didn’t do it.

“Just prepare, I have him coming up, I’ll be talking with him more, I’ll be talking with him extensively and getting the paperwork from the prosecutor,” Defense Attorney Tom Allen said.

As for Berea and his family, he says he’s glad the homicides in Santa Maria slowed down.

“Very happy, take them out of here, take them off the streets, no need to have them here,” Berea said.

All 17 suspects are due back in court on July 22nd for a continued arraignment. The judge says she will allow cameras in the courtroom.