An active-duty Army serviceman was shot to death early Sunday while walking down a Lompoc street, police said.
Officers responded at 2 a.m. to the intersection of Ocean Avenue and A Street on a report of a shooting, according to a Lompoc Police Department news release.
The officers found Marlon Brumfield, 22, lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful. Mr. Brumfield was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr. Brumfield was in Lompoc visiting his home for a month while on leave from the Army. He was stationed in Germany.
He graduated from El Puente High School in 2015.
Anyone who witnessed or who has information on the incident is asked to contact the Lompoc Police Department Detective Bureau.
Messages from the community started to flow on Sunday afternoon, including Shamonte Jackson, a resident of Lompoc. She posted on Facebook:
“We’ve got to stop this nonsense. Praying for his family. Rest In Peace Soldier.”
Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne is calling on the community for assistance in identifying any suspects involved in the shooting.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Marlon Brumfield,” Ms. Osborne said. “Marlon’s life impacted Lompoc and the entire country, given his mission to serve.
“I am very concerned about the rise in crime, and am committed to building a safer Lompoc,” the mayor continued “Marlon’s death must not be in vain, but part of the demand for change. Public safety will continue to be our city’s top priority. Despite the reduction in staff and resources in the Lompoc Police Department, I am confident Lompoc police will work as hard as ever to solve this heinous act.
“It is important that we rally together as a community, alongside our police department, to reduce crime. As a first step, if you know anything about this shooting, or any other crime in Lompoc, please contact Lompoc police at 805-736-2341, or report tips anonymously via the Lompoc Police Department mobile app.”