Authorities in Santa Barbara, California, have arrested two individuals in connection with the discovery of a deceased man whose body was found concealed in plastic wrap and a container. The investigation began on October 27, following a request for a wellness check at a residence.
Upon arriving at the scene, police observed suspicious circumstances and subsequently obtained a search warrant. The following morning, officers executed the warrant and discovered the body of 39-year-old Santa Barbara resident Lawrence Brennen. The body was found within a bedroll, placed inside a metal container, and subsequently wrapped in plastic.
Jenica Monique Ochoa, 45, and Kenneth Eugene Tompkins, 43, both residents of the same building where the body was found, were arrested and charged with felony conspiracy and misdemeanor concealment of a death. According to court records, both suspects have prior felony convictions, including first-degree burglary, which could result in enhanced sentencing.
Prosecutors allege that Ochoa and Tompkins conspired to conceal Brennen's death between October 23 and October 27. Neither suspect has been charged with causing Brennen's death. Both have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and denied the enhancements.
The exact cause of Brennen's death and his relationship to the suspects remain unclear. A preliminary hearing is scheduled to be set for November 30.
