16-Year-Old Surrenders In Connection To Deadly Santa Monica Beach Shooting

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in a beachfront parking lot near the Santa Monica Pier on Sunday.

The Las Vegas teen surrendered to Santa Monica Police Department detectives Tuesday evening and was taken into custody in connection with the homicide investigation, police said Thursday.

His identity will not be released because he is a juvenile.

Officers responded at about 12:32 a.m. Monday to a report of a possible shooting in Parking Lot 1 North, at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway.

They found Edgar Buitmea, 24, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts, according to authorities.

Investigators believe a physical altercation broke out between two groups before the shooting. Police have not disclosed what prompted the confrontation or whether anyone else is being sought.

Detectives identified the teenager as a suspect during the investigation, police said.

“While nothing can replace the life that was lost, the swift and focused work of our detectives resulted in the suspect being safely taken into custody,” Police Chief Darrick Jacob said in a statement.

Jacob said the arrest was an important step but that the department’s work was not finished.

“Our beachfront is one of Santa Monica’s most heavily visited public spaces, and we remain committed to keeping it safe for residents, visitors, businesses, and everyone who comes to enjoy our community,” he said.

The shooting occurred hours after thousands of people gathered in downtown Santa Monica for a World Cup watch party. Several parts of the area had been designated as car-free zones for the event.

The investigation remains ongoing.

City News Service contributed to this report.