Goleta Man Arrested for Allegedly Murdering Mother on Armitos Ave

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the tragic death of a Goleta woman and has arrested her son in connection with the case.

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, at approximately 7:33 p.m., deputies responded to the 5500-block of Armitos Avenue for a welfare check on 72-year-old Lynn Areno. When deputies arrived, they sadly discovered that Areno was deceased.

Deputies quickly detained her son, 32-year-old Christopher Vanvalck, at the scene. He was later booked at the Main Jail on suspicion of homicide and is being held on $2,000,000 bail.

Detectives do not believe there are any outstanding suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Areno’s next of kin have been notified. The cause and manner of death are pending further investigation.