The shooting death of 22-year-old Marlon Brumfield on Sunday marks the City of Lompoc's sixth homicide of 2019.
According to the Lompoc Police Department, it's the most homicides the city has experienced in a single year.
"There is no more serious crime than a homicide. A homicide has to be the priority for any police department, and we have continued to seek that as our number one priority," said Lompoc Police Chief Joe Mariani. "We will continue to investigate them thoroughly, especially the loss of young life as we have experienced this year and we are committed to solving that."
According to Lompoc Police, four of the six homicide cases this year have been solved.
The two remaining cases are still under investigation but are nearing conclusion. One of which is the deadly shooting of Army Private First Class Marlon Brumfield.
Justin Sorhondo said he was one of the first people at the scene after Brumfield was shot early Sunday morning in the area of A and Ocean Streets.
"As a whole, this community should hold together and do what they can do. I just think it is really terrible when innocent lives are lost to stupid stuff," Sorhondo said. "I would like to wish the family my deep heartfelt condolences."
Lompoc police said only half of the homicides this year have been gang-related, leaving many citizens wondering if they should take extra precautions to stay safe.
"I think in any community people have to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings," Mariani said. "I don't think it is cause for consternation or absolute fear where you stay behind locked doors, but you know, people should be cautious as you would be in any community."
Lompoc Mayor Janelle Osborne expressed her concern about the increase in crime and said she is committed to building a safer Lompoc.
