Suspect in San Luis Obispo Murder Already Jailed on Unrelated Charges

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A 41-year-old man named Matthew Allen Olivas has been in jail since February 9 on unrelated charges, including child endangerment, firearm possession, and drug charges. Three days later, the body of a woman linked romantically to Olivas was found at a homeless encampment in San Luis Obispo, where Olivas had been living. The woman is believed to have died from blunt force trauma in a suspected murder that is still under investigation.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring and preventing violent crimes, especially when suspects are already in custody for other offenses. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in protecting vulnerable individuals and communities.

The details

Olivas was booked into the San Luis Obispo County Jail on February 9 on charges including child endangerment, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of a controlled substance, and possession of brass knuckles. His bail was set at $295,000. Three days later, the body of a woman believed to be romantically linked to Olivas was found at a homeless encampment near a creek in San Luis Obispo. She had been dead for approximately a week and is suspected to have died from blunt force trauma in a murder.

• Olivas was booked into jail on February 9, 2026.
• The woman's body was found on February 12, 2026, approximately three days after Olivas was jailed.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The investigation into the woman's death is ongoing, and authorities will likely seek to determine if Olivas was involved in her murder while he was already in custody on the unrelated charges.