Lawrence Matthew Brennen Jr.’s family is demanding answers after the father of four was found dead and wrapped in plastic inside a metal container.
Brennen, whose body was discovered Oct. 27 by Santa Barbara police, had been bundled in a bedroll and concealed with Saran wrap, authorities said. Officers made the grisly find while executing a search warrant following a welfare check request at a residence on the 100 block of Los Aguajes Avenue.
Police arrested two suspects: Jenica Monique Ochoa, 45, and Kenneth Eugene Tompkins, 43. Both face felony conspiracy and misdemeanor concealment of a death charges, though neither has been charged with causing Brennen’s death. They have pleaded not guilty and denied a second strike enhancement tied to prior first-degree burglary convictions.
Prosecutors allege Ochoa and Tompkins conspired to hide Brennen’s death between Oct. 23 and Oct. 27. Both are currently free on bail with ankle monitors, according to Brennen’s sister, Justine Castillo, 28.
Castillo painted her brother as a resilient man devoted to his family despite hardship. “He had a hard life, but he was a survivor,” she told the California Post.
Brennen, nicknamed “Shorty,” leaves behind four children, including his eldest, 21-year-old Jacob. “Everyone loved him and welcomed him. He was so helpful … he was still grieving my dad and grandma’s death. He was just so happy,” Castillo added.
Brian Giles, who described himself as one of Brennen’s closest friends, had made plans with him before his death. Giles believes his friend was murdered and memorialized him on Facebook. “He always had my back, even more than my own brothers. One of my best friends…. I’m in shock,” he wrote.
Castillo shares that belief, telling reporters she thinks Brennen was killed before Ochoa and Tompkins allegedly hid his body. She said Brennen had been in a relationship with Ochoa that soured, and she placed direct blame on the female suspect. “I have no doubt in mind Jenica is the main suspect,” she said.
The family ties run deeper and more painfully. Castillo and Brennen’s mother, Valerie De La Cruz, also knew Ochoa personally, according to Castillo. She claimed De La Cruz, whom she described as homeless and struggling with drug use, allegedly used drugs with Ochoa. The family believes De La Cruz may also be involved in Brennen’s death, Castillo said.
Castillo acknowledged she knew little about Tompkins, the second suspect, beyond seeing him at court proceedings. Ochoa had told her that Brennen owed her rent money, she added.
An autopsy was performed Wednesday, but toxicology results remain pending and Brennen’s cause of death is officially unknown. His family and Giles suspect intentional drug exposure may have killed him, though officials have released no details supporting that theory.
Police have characterized the investigation as “intricate” and continue to treat Brennen’s death as suspicious. The circumstances of how he ended up wrapped in plastic inside a metal container have drawn national attention to the ritzy California beach enclave where he was found.
Another family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration at the swirl of speculation surrounding the case and the fact that both suspects remain out on bail while the family grieves. A memorial vigil was planned for Friday.
Brennen’s loved ones have established a memorial at the crime scene, which they identified as Ochoa’s residence.
Giles made clear what outcome he wants from the justice system. “I hope that the people who did this get exactly what they deserve,” he wrote on Facebook.
The suspects are expected to return to Santa Barbara County Superior Court for scheduling of a preliminary hearing.