Ranch Worker Shot in Dispute Dies
A 26-year-old ranch worker who was allegedly shot by a friend after an argument Saturday has died at a Santa Barbara hospital from his wounds.
Darwin Cruz died shortly after noon on Tuesday at St. Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara after several surgeries, a Ventura County coroner spokesman said Wednesday.
Cruz was allegedly shot by his friend, Ulysis Moreno, 25, Saturday evening after a drunken dispute at the Rincon Del Mar Ranch near the Santa Barbara County line, where they worked. Moreno is still at large.
Authorities said Moreno fled the scene in a red 1988 Ford Escort with license number 2YQZ363. The car also had a black spoiler on the rear deck, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.
The Sheriff’s Department is warning the public not to approach Moreno, whom they describe as armed and dangerous, but to call the department at 654-2311 if they know his location.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
