The search continues for accused killer Sergio Pantoja

Fourteen years ago a Santa Maria family suffered an unimaginable loss. A fight in a parking lot for no particular reason would lead to the murder of Anthony McCormack, a 30-year-old father of three.

His family explains to know Anthony McCormack was to love him.

“He was a great dad. They were involved in sports … football, baseball, basketball … and mostly wrestling. They did everything together, ” remembers Diana McCormack, the victim’s mother.

His sons were his world, and their world revolved around their father’s dedication and support. But, everything they had come to know … would come crashing down on them in one night.

On February 15th, 2004 after a party a group of people ended up at Shaws, a restaurant in Santa Maria. A melee broke out. And, Anthony would be dead before the night was over.

“When he stabbed my son he stabbed him straight into the heart and when he pulled that knife out … my son was dead. There’s no way you’re going to live from a 7-inch hunting knife … when my son hit the ground he was dead,” said Frank McCormack Sr., the victim’s father.

In an instant Anthony was gone … and the search for the man responsible for taking his life … began.

“Pretty quickly the suspect was identified as Sergio Pantoja who at the time was 22 now he’d be 36. And since that day he has been on the run,” said Santa Maria Police Lieutenant Paul Van Meel.

Hardest hit were Anthony’s sons. Anthony’s parents found forgiveness through faith.

The last day his mother would see him alive lives on vividly in her memory, “I need to share this because of that day on Valentine’s Day … see he was really big on holidays … he always remembered us .. everyone. He came over. He always came over him and his three boys. He had a card, flowers and a bear for me. He hugged me and kissed me and said ‘I love you, mom’ … and so that’s the best memory I have of him.”

“Particularly in today’s environment with social media and all these things where the next headline you just swipe left … what is easy to forget is that when you’re the family of the victim … the ripple effect is something like … dropping a bomb on a family,” said Lieutenant Van Meel.

This family has been broken some … found closure in faith … and now for the sons whose lives were shattered on that day in February of 2004 … they want accountability … they want Sergio Pantoja behind bars.

Detectives believe Pantoja could still be in the Santa Maria area and it’s believed Pantoja has family there.

If you think you recognize Sergio Pantoja call police. The smallest tip can make a difference.

Santa Maria Police Department: 805-928-3781 ext. 2677. The tip line is open 24/7 and all tips can be given anonymously.