San Luis Obispo Police Identify Possible Murder Victim

Veronica Beatrice Baro's body was found near a homeless encampment, and a suspect has been incarcerated on unrelated charges.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The San Luis Obispo police department has identified the woman whose body was found next to a creek on February 12 as 50-year-old Veronica Beatrice Baro. Her death is being investigated as a possible homicide, and a suspect named Matthew Allen Olivas has been incarcerated on unrelated charges since February 9, three days before Baro's body was discovered.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of homelessness and public safety in San Luis Obispo, as the victim was a transient staying at a homeless encampment. The potential murder also raises concerns about violence and crime in the area, especially near the Chevron gas station where the suspect worked and lived.

The details

Baro's body was found approximately a week after her death, and police are considering the circumstances suspicious. Olivas, a 41-year-old who worked at the Chevron gas station near the homeless encampment where he also lived, was booked into the SLO County Jail on February 9 on charges including willful cruelty to a child, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of brass knuckles.

  • Baro's body was found on February 12.
  • Olivas was booked into jail on February 9, three days before Baro's body was discovered.

The players

Veronica Beatrice Baro

A 50-year-old transient who was staying at a homeless encampment behind a Chevron gas station in San Luis Obispo when she was found dead.

Matthew Allen Olivas

A 41-year-old man who worked at the Chevron gas station near the homeless encampment where he also lived, and who was incarcerated on unrelated charges around the time Baro's body was discovered.

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What’s next

The police are awaiting the results of Baro's autopsy to determine the exact cause of her death and whether it will be ruled a homicide.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the vulnerability of the homeless population and the need for greater resources and support to address issues of homelessness and public safety in San Luis Obispo and other communities.