On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, police officers were dispatched to the 12600 block of Westminster Avenue, in reference to a male down suffering from gunshot wounds, according to the Garden Grove Police Department.
As the officers arrived on scene, they located a male, later identified as Mario Barrios, a 67-year-old, resident of Garden Grove, suffering from several gunshot wounds to the upper torso.
Barrios was immediately transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
- LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 12600 block of Westminster Ave., Garden Grove
- DATE/TIME OF OCCURRENCE: 9/21/2025 @ 4:02 P.M.
- PARTIES INVOLVED: Suspect: Unknown
The Garden Grove Police Department is seeking the public’s help with any information or witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Heine at 714-741-5422.
Based on California law, the suspect in the September 21, 2025 Garden Grove shooting could face the following penalties, depending on the circumstances and charges filed:
- First-Degree Murder
- Requires proof of premeditation and intent to kill.
- Penalty: 25 years to life in state prison.
- If aggravating factors apply (e.g., multiple victims, killing a peace officer), the penalty may be life without parole or death, though California currently has a moratorium on the death penalty.
- Relevant statute: California Penal Code § 187 and § 190.2.
- Second-Degree Murder
- Involves malice aforethought but no premeditation.
- Penalty: 15 years to life in state prison.
- If the victim is a peace officer, the minimum increases to 25 years to life.
- Enhancements may apply for use of a firearm or prior convictions.
- Voluntary Manslaughter
- Killing without premeditation, often in the heat of passion or due to provocation.
- Penalty: 3 to 11 years in state prison.
- Involuntary Manslaughter
- Killing due to criminal negligence or reckless behavior, without intent.
- Penalty: 2 to 4 years in state prison.
- Sentencing Enhancements
- Use of a firearm during the crime can add 10, 20, or 25 years to life depending on how it was used.
- Prior convictions or gang involvement may also increase penalties.
The exact charges and penalties will depend on the District Attorney’s filing decision, the evidence, and whether the suspect has prior criminal history.