Dead Man Found Near Highway 154 Identified

Authorities have identified the body found early Monday morning off Highway 154 as 23-year-old Adan Cervantes Ruiz, who died from a gunshot wound, according to an autopsy performed Tuesday. Santa Barbara Sheriff’s detectives have determined the death is a homicide and believe it occurred elsewhere.

The Sheriff’s Department was called at around 4 a.m. Monday morning by a passing motorist who spotted a man in a sleeping bag about 20 feet off Highway 154 west of Los Olivos, roughly one mile east of Highway 101. It was in the driveway of a ranch property at 3220 Highway 154.

Detectives believe Ruiz had ties to Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Riverside Counties, and are asking for anyone with information about Ruiz – including residences, employment, and activity leading up to his death – to call (805) 934-6170.