A charge of murder has been filed against a man arrested in connection with the shooting death of a soldier in Lompoc earlier this month.
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office announced the charge against Francisco GutierrezOrtega, 24, on Monday. The criminal complaint filed also includes an allegation that the murder of Marlon Brumfield, 22, was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal street gang.
GutierrezOrtega was arraigned in Lompoc Superior Court Monday afternoon but he did not enter a plea. Bail was set at $2 million.
He was arrested Sept. 19, eleven days after Brumfield was gunned down near the intersection of Ocean Avenue and A Street.
The Army Specialist (E-4) was home visiting his family while on a two-week leave from Germany, where he was stationed.
A second suspect - identified as Walter Alexander Morales Jr., 25 – is still outstanding.
Police say they have found no evidence to believe the suspects and victim had any prior contact before the shooting.
GutierrezOrtega is due back in court Oct. 17.
