Funeral services have been scheduled later this month for a soldier who was fatally shot during a visit to his hometown, as Lompoc police continue to work toward solving the crime.
Marlon Brumfield, 22, was killed early Sunday while walking near Ocean Avenue and A Street.
Officers responding to a report of a shooting found Brumfield on the ground with multiple gunshots injuries. They later said Brumfield, a soldier home on leave from the U.S. Army, had been fatally wounded.
Since Sunday, detectives have been following up on leads to identify whoever was responsible for the fatal shooting, using all available resources, Police Chief Joe Mariani said.
“These guys have been relentless,” Mariani said of his detectives, adding that he remained confident the investigation would lead to an arrest.
A social media post from a family member claimed a federal investigation also was occurring, but the police chief said it is common for the Army to look into deaths of active-duty members to ensure they did not involve criminal activity linked to the military service.
“There’s no indication of any impropriety on his part,” Mariani said.
Investigators also were looking into whether the assailants might be linked to gang activity, but Mariani emphasized there was no indication the victim had any involvement in gangs.
This is the sixth homicide investigation by Lompoc police in 2019, with arrests made in four of those cases, the chief noted.
The victims’ ages span from an infant to a 74-year-old woman.
The latest homicide hit close to home for some members of the Lompoc police force since his staff knew Brumfield from their involvement in the community, according to the chief.
Anyone with information about the shooting can contact Lompoc police at 805.736.2341, or report tips anonymously via the Lompoc Police Department mobile app.
Brumfield had achieved the rank of specialist at the start of the year, according to public affairs representatives for U.S. Army Europe, the organization overseeing American soldiers and units stationed in the region.
He served in the Army from January 2017 through September 2019, with his last assignment in Vilseck, Germany.
Army representatives said Brumfield worked as a Stryker systems maintainer, ensuring assorted vehicles operated smoothly.
He had not yet served any combat deployment.
During his service, Brumfield earned the Army Achievement Medal twice, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.
A public visitation is planned for 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.
The funeral service with full military honors is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at True Vine Bible Fellowship.
Interment will be private.
Arrangements are under the care of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary in Lompoc.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.