Governor Schwarzenegger Offers Reward in Local Homicide Investigation

Isla Vista- December 1st, 2009

A $25,000 reward announced by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is raising hopes that the offer leads to the conviction of those responsible for the beating death of a man in Isla Vista.

The Governor’s Office announced Monday, November 30, 2009 that is was offering rewards for four unsolved crimes in California including the attack on May 31, 2008 that killed 53-year old Gregory Ghan. Early that morning two people discovered Ghan unconscious on the front steps of a neighborhood clinic. Ghan was placed on life support at a local hospital where he died ten days later.

“We welcome the reward being offered by the Governor’s Office,” said Sheriff Bill Brown. “Our investigators have done a tremendous job in gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses, however, they’ve exhausted all avenues in this case. Hopefully this reward will shine a light on the crime and reveal more information to help bring to justice those responsible for the murder of Gregory Ghan.”

Dennis Ghan, the victim’s brother, issued this statement following the Governor’s announcement:

“On behalf of all my family, I would like to thank the Governor for approving the reward funds to assist in identifying the perpetrators of my brother's killing.  My family and I remain hopeful that justice will eventually be served and that those responsible for this terrible crime will be identified, prosecuted and convicted.  We would also like to thank the detectives and others within the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, who have continued to make this case a priority.  We hope that my brother's senseless killing also serves as a reminder to everyone of the continued need for attention to the issues of the homeless community, both in Santa Barbara and in many other communities.“

Gregory Ghan Murder Investigation

On 05-31-08, at 2:23AM, two people walking through a park in Isla Vista, California, discovered a badly beaten man on the front steps of a neighborhood clinic. They immediately called 911 and Santa Barbara Sheriff’s deputies along with fire and medic personnel responded. Upon arrival, the subject, later identified as Gregory Neil Ghan, age 53, was found to be unconscious. Ghan was transported to the hospital where he was placed on life support. Ghan’s injuries were described as an orbital fracture and intracranial bleeding. During the ten days following the assault, Ghan never regained consciousness and his condition continued to deteriorate. On 06-10-08, Mr. Ghan died.

Gregory Ghan was a long time transient of Santa Barbara County. According to other members of the transient community, Ghan was known to live in Santa Barbara City, but had recently relocated to Isla Vista.

The investigation proceeded with the information available and several leads were followed up on. It was decided to reach out to the community for help in identifying the involved suspect(s) or obtaining further information regarding this incident. A news release was disseminated to local media and fliers requesting information were distributed throughout Santa Barbara County.

Given that the offense took place near a park, where a number of transients sleep, and in an area frequented by many students and young adults, it is possible that there are witnesses who have not come forward or been identified. It is understandable that young adults often do not want to get involved in serious legal matters because they are not confident of what they saw, do not want to be involved in prolonged court testimony, or they may have been  involved in activity they would not want to admit to, i.e. underage drinking, drugs, etc. Additionally, transients are often reluctant to cooperate with or offer assistance to law enforcement.

Approximately 94 interviews were conducted thus far, including interviews of all subjects identified as being involved in the case, as well as witnesses, potential witnesses, and any other persons who may have information related to the case. It is estimated that more than 960 hours were dedicated to the investigation, with 54 contacts made at 32 businesses and residences. Several hundred fliers, which included a picture of Ghan and requesting anyone with information about the case to contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, were distributed and posted throughout the Isla Vista, Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, Carpinteria, and Lompoc communities. The Santa Barbara Police Department, Lompoc Police Department, Santa Maria Police Department, Santa Barbara Probation, CDCR Parole, Vandenberg AFB – OSI, San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department, Ventura Sheriff’s Department, Santa Barbara District Attorney, and the California Highway Patrol, were all contacted and either assisted in the investigation or were solicited for information.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 805-681-4150, at the anonymous Sheriff’s Tip Line at 681-4171.

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

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