California officers returned with a search warrant. What they found led to 2 arrests

NewsPolice went to an apartment for a welfare check. What they found led to 2 arrestsSanta Barbara police investigating a welfare check found 39-year-old Brennen dead inside an apartment. Two people have been charged with conspiracy and concealing a death. Getty ImagesA welfare check at a California apartment took a disturbing turn after police returned with a search warrant and found a 39-year-old man dead inside. Two people now face charges in connection with what authorities say happened after his death, according to KTLA. Santa Barbara police went to an apartment in the city’s West Beach neighborhood on Oct. 27. Officers encountered what police called suspicious circumstances and began investigating. They returned the next morning with a warrant and found Lawrence Brennen dead inside, Noozhawk reported.Prosecutors accuse Jenica Monique Ochoa, 45, and Kenneth Eugene Tompkins, 43, of concealing Brennen’s body between Oct. 23 and Oct. 27. Court documents say the body was wrapped in a bedroll and put inside a metal container that was then covered with plastic wrap.Ochoa and Tompkins face charges of conspiracy and concealing a death. Both have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to return to court Nov. 30, according to Noozhawk. Neither has been charged with causing Brennen’s death. Police have described the circumstances surrounding the death as suspicious, but many questions remain. Authorities have not publicly explained how Brennen died, and the investigation remains active, the Santa Barbara Independent reported. His family also said it is still looking for answers about what happened. Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by AL.com staff.