By Lookout Staff

July 23, 2026 -- A 16-year-old male from Las Vegas has turned himself in to police for the fatal shooting that took place near the Pier shortly after midnight Sunday, police officials said Thursday.

The suspect -- whose identifying information is not being released due to his age -- surrendered to Santa Monica Police Department detectives Tuesday evening and was taken into custody.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the shooting stemmed from a physical altercation between two groups, said Lt. Lewis Gilmour, the Police Department spokesman.

During the investigation, SMPD detectives identified a 16-year-old male from Las Vegas as the suspect.

Police officers who responded at around 12:30 a.m. Monday morning to a report of a possible shooting in Parking Lot 1 North found an adult "suffering from multiple gunshot wounds," Gilmour said.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene "despite life-saving efforts," he said.

The victim has been identified by the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office as 24-year-old Edgar Buitimea who died from multiple gunshot wounds.

“Violence of any kind has no place in our community,” said Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob. “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.

"This is an important step, but our work is 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.”

The investigation remains ongoing, as detectives continue working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, police officials said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information related to the investigation should contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491.