Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 6:47
A Santa Barbara County jury has convicted Jiram Tenorio-Ramon, 26, of first-degree murder for the December 2022 shooting on Stearns Wharf that killed Robert Gutierrez, an innocent bystander from Camarillo. The verdict, reached after a three-week trial and one day of deliberation, marks the end of a lengthy legal process that included a hung jury in a previous trial, where jurors voted 11-1 in favor of a guilty verdict.
On December 9, 2022, around 8:40 p.m., Tenorio-Ramon was a passenger in a vehicle that drove past a group of people on Stearns Wharf, whom the occupants believed to be rival gang members. The group included Ventura juveniles, and the shooting erupted as a shootout. After flashing a Westside gang hand sign, Tenorio-Ramon directed the driver to stop near the dolphin fountain at the end of the wharf. He exited the vehicle armed with a semi-automatic 9mm pistol and opened fire. One bullet struck Robert Gutierrez in the back as he walked with his wife toward a restaurant to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. Gutierrez died on December 20. The jury also found that the murder was committed for the benefit of the Westside gang.
This was Tenorio-Ramon's second trial; the first ended in a hung jury in 2025. The jury in the second trial deliberated for one day before returning a guilty verdict on all counts. During closing arguments on Tuesday, prosecutors argued the murder was gang-related, while the defense countered that it was a tragic side effect of self-defense. After the guilty verdict, the jury returned to deliberate on gang-related allegations. They found that the special circumstance of committing the crime as an active participant of the Westside gang was true, and that Tenorio-Ramon personally and intentionally fired the gun that killed Gutierrez. The jury returned early in the afternoon to deliver this decision. Tenorio-Ramon is the last of eight people charged in connection with the shooting, and all have now been convicted on felony-level offenses. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole at his sentencing hearing on October 29, 2026. He is currently being held without bail at the Santa Barbara County Jail.
Stearns Wharf is a historic landmark in Santa Barbara, a popular tourist destination. The shooting shocked the community, as the wharf is typically a family-friendly area. The case highlights ongoing issues with gang violence in the region, though such incidents on the wharf are rare. Senior Deputy District Attorney Tate McCallister noted it was the only wharf shooting in recent memory.
Robert Gutierrez was a longtime assisted living executive director and a father of two. Gutierrez was 52 years old at the time of his death. He graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a degree in finance in 1992, and earned a Master of Public Health at UCLA later in life, driven by his dedication to learning. He was deeply passionate about soccer, coaching and refereeing in his community. He was also a football fan. His death occurred during a celebration of his 20th wedding anniversary, underscoring the tragic randomness of the violence. After the shooting, Tenorio-Ramon posted a self-produced rap video on Instagram recounting details of the murder and bragging about how it improved his reputation.
The conviction brings a measure of closure to the Gutierrez family, who have waited more than three years for justice. District Attorney John Savrnoch praised the jury and the investigative team, calling the case a reminder of the devastating consequences of gang violence. The sentencing in October will formally close this chapter, but the loss of a beloved husband, father, and community member remains a deep wound for the Central Coast.
Outside the courthouse, Gutierrez's daughter Ariana, a senior at San Diego State University, expressed mixed emotions. "It's not really a happy day," she told the News-Press. "It's hard to be happy after the loss of my dad." However, she said, "We are relieved to be done with a trial like this. And we're ready to move forward and to finally have a resolution." She remembered her father as the "coolest dad" who raised her and her sister with a strong work ethic, humility, and love for his community. She also highlighted his deep love for soccer and his return to school later in life for his master's degree. "Even in his death, he is still one of the most impressive people I have ever known in my life," she said. She added, "And we know that even though he's gone, he loves us, and that's all we can ask for."
Ruby Gutierrez-Carrier, Gutierrez's sister, expressed gratitude: "We had justice today, but some families don't have justice. ...The justice system worked for us today. I have a newfound gratefulness for law enforcement and the justice system, and I pray that all those that are missing out there are found (to) give peace to the families."
Senior Deputy District Attorney Tate McCallister expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating, "I am extremely pleased with the jury's verdict, today the family of Robert Gutierrez finally got the justice that they deserved, I am very pleased with our office for successfully prosecuting all 8 individuals involved in this crime, including the 3 that discharged their firearms on the wharf that night all 3 of them were convicted of homicide crimes including the defendant today."
District Attorney John Savrnoch also issued a statement: "This case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of gang violence. Robert Gutierrez was enjoying an evening with his wife on Stearns Wharf as they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary. In an instant, his life was taken, his wife lost her husband, his children lost their father, and the community lost a kind, hardworking man who was deeply loved. Our thoughts remain with Robert's family and everyone who continues to mourn his loss. I am grateful to the jury for their careful consideration of the evidence and for delivering justice in this case. This conviction is the result of years of tireless work, exceptional teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to justice. I want to recognize Senior Deputy District Attorneys Tate McCallister and Carl Barnes for their outstanding prosecution of this case; District Attorney Investigators Eric Davis and Chad Hunt, whose dedication throughout this lengthy investigation and prosecution was invaluable; Victim Witness Program Manager Megan Riker-Rheinschild and her team for the extraordinary compassion and support they provided to the Gutierrez family; and the Santa Barbara Police Department for its outstanding investigative work. I also want to thank the many investigators, Victim Witness advocates, legal office professionals, and support staff whose efforts behind the scenes were essential to achieving today's outcome."
The Santa Barbara Police Department also released a statement, saying: "This verdict brings a measure of justice following a heartbreaking event that profoundly affected the Gutierrez family and the Santa Barbara community. Robert Gutierrez was an innocent bystander, and his death was a devastating loss to all who knew him."
Santa Barbara Police Chief also issued a statement echoing these sentiments.
Camarillo Mayor and former Ventura County Chief Deputy David Tennessen said justice was served by the investigation, the prosecution, the courts and the jury.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Ariana and Carisa.
