Suspect Named in Pico Boulevard Homicide Investigation

July 28, 2026 11:43 AM

Santa Monica, Calif. - The Santa Monica Police Department is releasing additional information regarding the arrest of a suspect in connection with the July 25 homicide in the 1900 block of Pico Boulevard.

The suspect, Taylor Roger Free, 35, of San Luis Obispo, California, was arrested on July 25 after Los Angeles Police Department officers located him near Crenshaw and Exposition Blvd. in Los Angeles.

On July 25, 2026, at approximately 5:21 p.m., SMPD received a call regarding a woman in need of medical assistance inside an apartment in the 1900 block of Pico Boulevard. Officers arrived and located an adult female suffering from significant injuries. Despite the life-saving measures of the Santa Monica Fire Department, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

SMPD detectives and forensic personnel immediately began investigating the incident as a homicide. As the investigation developed, detectives coordinated with regional law enforcement partners and shared information regarding a possible suspect based on witness statements, including with the Los Angeles Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

At approximately 8 p.m. that evening, LAPD officers located Free in Los Angeles after receiving the alert from SMPD. Free was transported to the Santa Monica Police Department Jail and booked for murder, in violation of California Penal Code 187(a). Bail has been set at $2,000,000.

The Santa Monica Police Department appreciates the Los Angeles Police Department and our regional law enforcement partners for their assistance in quickly locating and taking the suspect into custody.

This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491.

Media Contact

Richard Verbeck

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