Santa Barbara police have identified the man discovered dead and encased in plastic wrap as Lawrence Matthew Brennen Jr., a father of four. The discovery was made on October 27 when officers executed a search warrant following a welfare check request. Brennen's body was found bundled in a bedroll, placed inside a metal container, and then covered in plastic wrap.
Two individuals, Jenica Monique Ochoa, 45, and Kenneth Eugene Tompkins, 43, have been arrested and charged with felony conspiracy and misdemeanor concealment of a death. Neither suspect has been charged with Brennen's death, and both have pleaded not guilty to the alleged crimes. They have also denied a second strike enhancement related to prior first-degree burglary convictions.
Prosecutors allege that Ochoa and Tompkins conspired to conceal Brennen's death between October 23 and October 27. According to reports, both suspects have been released on bail and are wearing ankle monitors.
Brennen's sister, Justine Castillo, described her brother as a hardworking father who was always willing to help others. "He had a hard life, but he was a survivor," she told The Post, adding that Brennen, nicknamed "Shorty," had four children. Another friend, Brian Giles, expressed shock and grief, stating on Facebook that Brennen "always had my back."
Castillo believes Brennen was murdered and suggested that Ochoa, with whom Brennen reportedly had a falling out, is the primary suspect. Castillo also mentioned that Brennen's mother allegedly used drugs with Ochoa, and the family suspects her involvement in Brennen's death. Castillo stated she has seen Tompkins in court but does not know him well.
An autopsy was performed on Brennen, but toxicology results are pending, and his official cause of death remains unknown. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, describing the investigation as "intricate."
A memorial for Brennen has been set up by his family at the crime scene, which they identify as Ochoa's residence. The suspects are scheduled to return to Santa Barbara County Superior Court on November 30 for a preliminary hearing.
