Oceano homicide victim was well-known activist

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has identified an Oceano homicide victim as well-known environmental activist Lawrence Bross.

The 90-year-old is a longtime resident whose backyard runs up to the Oceano Dunes State Park. He was known for advocating against people from driving on the beach behind his neighborhood.

Neighbors where shocked that the homicide happened in their own back yard.

“I was shocked, I mean he doesn’t harm anybody. He’s pushing ninety. He is a good ‘ol dude you know, it’s a shame,” said Bross’s gardener and neighbor Mario Felix.

“We were honestly super shocked. We just couldn’t believe something like that would happen. Then we heard some more details and it’s just really super sad and shocking,” said neighbor Kristian Punt.

Search and Rescue units painstakingly searched the beach behind the home where the homicide took place. They left little orange flags in various places marking areas that could potentially help law enforcement.

“This morning we looked out and they had the dog there, the search dog, and guys in orange vests walking around and marking places the dog was sniffing,” said neighbor Suzanne Punt.

Investigators say the cause of death is still being determined and that an autopsy is being performed. Detectives ask the community to contact them if they have any information.