Hendry's Beach Homicide - Two People in Custody

Santa Barbara April 19th, 2010

Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested a 19-year old woman and a female juvenile in connection to the Thursday (4/15/10) evening homicide at Hendry’s Beach/Arroyo Burro Beach.

At approximately 6:30pm on Thursday, April 15, 2010, witnesses reported that 44-year old Robert Burke Simpson was stabbed by a young man in a grassy area near the Hendry’s beach parking lot. Simpson died shortly after that as a result of his injuries. The attack appeared to be the result of an altercation between patrons at the park area.

Working with Sheriff’s deputies and Santa Barbara City Police who arrived first on scene, Sheriff’s detectives were able to gather evidence and information to help them in their investigation. Since that time, Sheriff’s detectives have worked virtually around the clock to apprehend the person/persons responsible for the victim’s death and those who may have helped keep the suspect(s) from being arrested.

On Friday, Sheriff’s detectives had gathered enough information to arrest 19-year old Brittany Danielle Weiler for accessory to murder. The next day (Saturday), Sheriff’s Detectives arrested a 17-year old female juvenile for the same charges. Further information allowed detectives to get a search warrant for a home in the city of Santa Barbara. That warrant was served Sunday evening.

At this time, Sheriff’s Detectives know there are more people involved in the crime and are aggressively working to bring them to justice. They also ask anyone who may have any information related to the initial incident or its aftermath to contact Sheriff’s detectives at (805) 681-4150 or call the Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip Line at (805) 681-4171.

Weiler is currently in the Santa Barbara County Jail for Accessory to Murder on $1,000,000 (million) bail. The 17-year old girl was taken to Juvenile Hall on the same charges.

For more information regarding news related issues
please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

Business Hours: (805) 681-4100
EMAIL:pio@sbsheriff.org