Died in custody
Ernest Lattimer
Ernest Lattimer, 79, of Santa Maria, died on October 5, 2026, at Villa Maria Post Acute, a skilled nursing facility where he had been receiving care since he was taken to a hospital in July 2026. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office says he remained in its legal custody and under guard during that care, and it is reporting his death as an in-custody death. The cause and manner of death are still being determined by the Coroner's Bureau, and a separate administrative review is underway.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined
Reported by: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office (the agency that held him); Santa Barbara County Coroner's Bureau (medical examiner or coroner).