The body of Adan Cervantes Ruiz, 23, shot once in the chest, was placed in a driveway along Highway 154 near Los Olivos, wrapped in a sleeping bag. At a news conference Oct.31, Sheriff Bill Brown said investigators found evidence Ruiz may have been killed outside of Lompoc, near the roadside of Highway 1, where the marijuana cultivation was discovered.

More than 90 thousand plants, worth approximately $275 million, were destroyed in the illicit fields.

“Due to the ever-increasing complexity of this investigation, investigators from our narcotics bureau and homicide division formed a joint task force. The purpose was to share information with other agencies in hopes of identifying Ruiz’s associates and developing leads or ties between his death and the marijuana grow located on Highway 1,” Brown said.

In late October, Brown said, three search warrants were served in the Riverside County city of Perris, about 35 miles west of Palm Springs. Five men, including Ruiz’s brother, Reyes Cervantes Ruiz, 21, were arrested.

“Investigators (also) seized over 800 lbs. of processed marijuana, more than $80,000 and numerous firearms,” Brown said. The value of the marijuana seized was estimated at $2.6 million.

Also taken into custody: Efren Equijua Arreola, 36; Jesus Monje Gutierrez, 28; Servando Avalos Cabrera, 20; and Jose Juan Villa-Cabrera, 25. All are from Perris.

“Of special importance during these arrests is the fact that Reyes Ruiz is the victim’s brother and was with him during the homicide. During his arrest, Reyes Ruiz was uncooperative and had to be disarmed by detectives as he reached for a firearm,” the sheriff said.

The suspects were transported and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail on suspicion of cultivation of marijuana and possession for sale. They are scheduled for arraignment on those charges Tuesday, Nov. 6, at the Superior Court in Lompoc.

“Evidence seized in Perris links the Highway 1 marijuana grow to a much larger narcotics organization,” Brown said. “The individuals tending these grows are typically armed and prepared to defend their crops.

“Our dedication to the annual eradication efforts and our commitment to solve this homicide should send a message to these criminal organizations that these types of operations will not be tolerated in our county,” Brown said.