Samuel Brannigan Stone: Santa Cruz man charged with murder for allegedly strangling girlfriend to death

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA: According to the Santa Cruz Sentinel, a 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder for allegedly strangling his girlfriend at Seabright State Beach. 

The victim, a 21-year-old UC Santa Cruz student, remains unnamed as of Monday. The accused, Samuel Brannigan Stone, has a previous local criminal record, which includes a citation on January 20 for failure to provide car insurance.

After the death of the young woman, who was a student at UCSC, the university has extended its deepest condolences to her family.

Samuel Brannigan Stone arrested near the waterline at Seabright State Beach

Samuel Brannigan Stone was arrested after his 21-year-old girlfriend died from strangulation. The arrest happened around 1:16 a.m. on Friday near the waterline after Stone called 911. 

Upon arrival, officers found the unconscious victim beside the suspect, who was subsequently taken into custody. She was taken to the hospital but died later Friday night. 

Stone and the victim were dating. He's now in jail for homicide. According to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office, Stone’s court appearance is set for Tuesday at 8:15 a.m. 

According to University officials, Stone went to UC Santa Cruz until January 10. The victim was a current student at the school, as confirmed by a university official in a message on Monday.

University of California Santa Cruz offers condolences to victim’s family amid loss

Following confirmation from a spokesperson at the University of California Santa Cruz regarding the victim's enrollment, they proceeded to express their condolences. 

According to KSBW, They conveyed deep sorrow in informing the university community that one of their students had passed away on Friday from injuries sustained early that morning at Seabright State Beach.

They then described the initial aid efforts made for the 21-year-old victim. "Cruz Police Department were called to the scene and, along with first responders, attempted to save her life. She was taken to Dominican Hospital, where she later died. At the family’s request, we are not sharing her name."

Additionally, they provided information about their former student, Stone, "Samuel Brannigan Stone, a student who was no longer enrolled, has been arrested on suspicion of homicide and booked into Santa Cruz County Jail. The two had known each other, according to police."

The university also assured that they would provide support, "those in our community affected by this senseless tragedy. Please know that we have resources in place if you need help dealing with this tragic loss or processing the news. UC Santa Cruz students can reach out either to Counseling and Psychological Services or Slug Support. For faculty and staff, the Employee Assistance Program offers counseling and other support."

They concluded, "I offer my sincerest condolences to the victim’s family, friends, teachers and classmates. Her loss is heartbreaking."