Judge finds sufficient evidence to hold suspect in Santa Maria murder case

By Staff Report · Fri Jul 17 2026

SAN LUISO OBISPO COUNTY — San Luis Obispo County Superior Court Judge Crystal Seiler has found sufficient evidence to hold Abel Santiago, 23, to answer on charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, destroying or concealing evidence, and being an accessory after the fact in connection with the November 2025 killing of Santa Maria resident Margarito Ventura Ventura.

According to the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, evidence presented during a preliminary hearing indicated that Santiago and his brother, Francisco Santiago, allegedly picked up Ventura in Santa Maria on Nov. 13, 2025, before traveling north into San Luis Obispo County. Investigators allege the victim was taken to a remote area near Suey Creek Road, where he was shot multiple times and later died.

Prosecutors said evidence showed the brothers allegedly removed a second cellphone from the victim and disposed of it after the shooting. Authorities also allege Abel Santiago attempted to destroy evidence, purchased a new phone, and tried to leave the county following the killing.

Santiago remains in custody at the San Luis Obispo County Jail and is scheduled to return to court Aug. 3 for arraignment on the criminal information.

Francisco Santiago remains at large. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is encouraged to contact San Luis Obispo County Crime Stoppers at 805-549-STOP (7867).

The charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.