Update to ongoing 519 West Taylor homicide investigation. 
The suspect in this investigation has been identified as Claude Adams, a 64 year old resident of Santa Maria. Based upon information obtained up to this point, it is believed the three deceased persons recovered from 519 West Taylor space 407 include the suspect, Claude Adams, his wife Sherry Adams (65 year old resident of Santa Maria), and their son Seth Adams (a 33 year old resident of Santa Maria).
The positive identification of the decedents is still pending confirmation from the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Bureau. SBSO Detective Coroner Biedenger is requesting any family members of the decedents listed above contact him as soon as possible at 805-681-4145.
SMPD Detectives have learned that Claude Adams had an ongoing dispute with Victims Kurt Bracke and Richard Hanen. As a result of this dispute, Claude was being evicted from the mobile home park. Based on the information obtained thus far, investigators believe Claude shot and killed both Bracke and Hanen in the clubhouse area of the park before returning to his residence.
The chronology of events beyond what is stated above is unknown. Investigators believe Claude also killed his wife and son, although the exact cause of death has yet to be verified.
This is an ongoing investigation. SMPD Detectives request anyone with information on this case contact Detective Dix at 805-928-3781 x 2424.
Lt. Van Meel
Address/Location
Santa Maria Police Department
1111 W Betteravia Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-928-3781