– By F. Scott Faulkner
SANTA MARIA VALLEY, CA — August 15, 2025 – It has taken nearly a year, but Santa Barbara officials have filed a felony complaint in a fatal crash that claimed a life.
A drive through the Santa Maria Valley last fall ended in tragedy when a head-on
collision claimed one life and left another driver critically injured.
The crash happened just before noon on Sept. 23, 2024, along Highway 135 near Foster Road.
California Highway Patrol’s Buellton Office spokesman reported that Jordan Gutierrez, now 27,
of Orcutt, was behind the wheel of a 2020 Nissan Altima heading north when, “for reasons still
unknown,” his vehicle veered across the center divide.
Gutierrez’s vehicle crossed two southbound lanes and smashed head-on into a 2015 Honda Civic.
The Civic’s driver, identified as 79-year-old Sharlene Marie Plunkett of Santa Maria, was rushed
to the hospital but later died of her injuries.
Gutierrez also suffered major injuries and was transported to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Nearly a year later, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office announced that a felony
complaint has been filed, charging Gutierrez with one count of murder in connection with
Plunkett’s death.
An arrest warrant was issued and Gutierrez was taken into custody on August 13.
He was transported to Santa Barbara North County Jail, where he remains in custody with his bail set at
$1 million.
