Dead Body found on Highway 154

BY COLBY FRAZIER
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

Santa Barbara County Sheriff officials suspect foul play contributed to the death of a 23-year-old Hispanic male, who’s lifeless body was discovered wrapped inside of a sleeping bag alongside Highway 154 at 4 a.m. yesterday by a passing motorist
Sgt. Erik Raney, a spokesman for the Sheriff’s Department, said the body was located in the driveway of a ranch property at 3220 Highway 154, just 20-feet from the road and west of Los Olivos.


“The man was wearing camouflage style clothing, but had no identification,” Raney said. “Investigators found some trauma on the body, but have not determined the circumstances in which the trauma was sustained.”
Law enforcement officials combed the area between Foxen Canyon Road and the highway’s junction with the 101 Freeway for about 12 hours, during which time that stretch of Highway 154 was closed.
Motorists in both directions were diverted to detours on Zaca Station Road and Foxen Canyon Road.
Raney said an autopsy has been conducted by the Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office and that a cause of death has been determined, but is not being released at this time.
Raney said the victim was identified through finger print analyses, but detectives are still attempting to notify his next of kin.
Raney said anyone with information about the incident or if they saw any suspicious activity or vehicles at or near Highway 154 during the early morning hours yesterday, or late into the evening on Sunday, should call sheriff investigators at 934-6170.