SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — A mistrial was declared in the murder case against a 25-year-old Santa Barbara man accused of a shooting that left one man dead at Stearns Wharf in 2022. The decision came Tuesday after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict.
Jiram Tenorio Ramon faces charges of murdering Robert Dion Gutierrez, who was shot on December 9, 2022. Jurors voted 11-1 in favor of convicting Tenorio Ramon, prompting Superior Court Judge Pauline Maxwell to declare the trial a mistrial due to the deadlock.
District Attorney John Savrnoch stated that the prosecution intends to pursue a retrial. Senior Deputy District Attorney Tate McCallister noted that the next hearing is set for September 4, when trial dates will be discussed.
The trial began on July 21, and the jury commenced deliberation on August 6. Police reported that Gutierrez, a 52-year-old father and husband from Camarillo, was an innocent bystander caught in crossfire during a gang-related shootout. He was celebrating his 20th wedding anniversary with his wife in Santa Barbara.
During closing arguments, McCallister characterized Tenorio Ramon as an individual attempting to establish his reputation within the Westside Santa Barbara gang. He described the shooting as reminiscent of an “old-fashioned Wild West gunfight.”
Witness testimony indicated that the altercation began when Tenorio Ramon and his companions drove along the pier and spotted a group of youths they suspected belonged to a rival gang from Ventura. One of the passengers allegedly displayed a gang sign, escalating tensions.
Testimony revealed that Tenorio Ramon ordered the driver to stop the car close to Stearns Wharf before exiting. Following his departure, the rival group opened fire, leading him to return fire in self-defense, according to testimonies from the car’s other occupants.
Prosecutors charged Tenorio Ramon with murder along with several special allegations, including ties to street terrorism and intentional firearm discharge resulting in great bodily injury or death. He also reportedly committed the alleged offense while on felony probation.
The trial showcased evidence of Tenorio Ramon’s gang affiliations, including the discovery of a weapon purportedly used in the attack at a residence belonging to an associate from the Westside gang. The prosecution argued that Tenorio Ramon was actively communicating with this gang member about joining their ranks.
Defense attorney George Steele contended that Tenorio Ramon acted in self-defense, asserting that his client had gone to the wharf to socialize with friends and was fearful for his safety when the gunfire erupted. He characterized the incident as tragic but argued the actions taken were necessary under the circumstances.
Tenorio Ramon remains in custody at the Santa Barbara County Jail as the legal proceedings continue.
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