The victim has been identified as Luis Angel Linares, age 15; a student at El Puente High School. The primary suspect is a 14-year-old male who attended Santa Barbara Junior High School. In addition to homicide, he is being charged with criminal conspiracy and committing the crime (assault) in furtherance of a street gang.

As part of yesterday’s investigation, four other suspects were arrested for their involvement in the fight: A 16-year-old male was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon, criminal conspiracy, and committing a crime (assault) in furtherance of a criminal street gang. Three more suspects ages 13, 14, and 16 were arrested for criminal conspiracy and committing a crime (assault) in furtherance of a criminal street gang. Including the primary suspect charged with homicide, all five suspects are affiliated with the same street gang. The five suspects were amongst the approximately twenty-five suspects detained soon after the fight was reported. Detectives believe all five suspects conspired to engage in a fight with a rival gang.

This high-profile incident has raised community concerns of gang violence and public safety. The Santa Barbara Police Department is working closely with all local schools to reduce the problem of gang violence. In addition, SBPD is working with community organizations including: The County Probation Department; La Casa de la Raza; and Los Compadres, a grass roots mentoring program affiliated with the Community Action Commission.