A call that came in as a check-the-welfare last week is being investigated as a homicide by Sheriff’s detectives. On Thursday, July 15, 2021 at approximately 2:35 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the 600-block of N. La Cumbre road to check the welfare of a subject. When they arrived, deputies contacted 29-year-old Casey Tolivar of Santa Barbara at the residence.

During their initial investigation, deputies learned that Casey had assaulted a victim with an object, and that the victim fled the residence with serious injuries. Deputies also discovered a male decedent inside the residence, who is identified as Casey’s father, 72-year-old Bradley Tolivar of Santa Barbara. Casey was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon (felony), and booked at the Main Jail. Sheriff’s detectives and forensics technicians responded to the scene to assist with the investigation.

The cause of Bradley’s death was not immediately apparent; however, it was later determined to be suspicious, and not from natural causes. Based on their initial investigation, detectives re-booked Casey for suspicion of murder (felony). Casey remains in custody at the Main Jail with a bail of $2,030,000. Sheriff’s detectives do not believe there are any additional outstanding suspects or victims related to this case.

During an autopsy of the decedent on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, the preliminary cause and manner of death were determined to be homicide by blunt force trauma. The finalized coroner’s report is pending toxicology, which usually takes between six and eight weeks. Detectives are conducting a thorough investigation into this homicide that remains ongoing.