KKFX San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara - News-Police Investigate Body Found In Santa Maria
Member Center:
7.14.09
SANTA MARIA - Investigators have been collecting evidence at the apartment on the 800 block of East Orange St. where the suspected male victim was found dead early Monday evening.
Neighbors say they heard a gunshot early Monday morning.
Investigators collected drops of blood on the pavement outside the alleged victim's apartment.
He was a handyman who turned his apartment into a workshop where he ran a sewing machine repair business.
Neighbors have seen people coming and going from the apartment, including a woman whom neighbors say was the alleged victim's girlfriend.
SANTA MARIA POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE:
On July 13, 2009, at about 1653 hours, SMPD Officer responded to a report of an unresponsive subject found inside of his residence in the 800 block of E. Orange. The subject was located by a close friend, after numerous attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. Upon arrival, the Officers located a 55 year old white male lying on the floor with apparent trauma. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. Due to the suspicious nature of the death, investigative personnel were called in to assume investigative responsibility.
After review of the crime scene, coupled with the nature of injury, this incident has been classified as a Homicide. Investigators are actively interviewing known friends and associates. At this time, no further information is available for release. As new information becomes available, updates will be sent out.
The name of the victim is being withheld, pending next of kin notification.
Name of Victim: WITHHELD Age: 55
City of Residence: Santa Maria
