News

Released: August 17, 2017 - Thursday, 04:46 PM

Suspicious Death Investigation

Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781-4547Date and time of incident: 8-15-17, Approximately 2:30 PMPlace of Occurrence: 100 block of F Street, CayucosVictim Information: Donald Eugene Cunningham, 83 (DOB: 1-14-34), Transient from the Bakersfield areaSuspect Information: Darwin Keith Alaskari, 59, Transient from the Bakersfield area Sherrie Lynn Boggess, 50, Transient from the Bakersfield areaThe Coroner's Unit of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office has identified the man found dead in the back of an SUV in Cayucos on 8-15-17. The man is identified as 83-year-old Donald Eugene Cunningham, from the Bakersfield area.
An autopsy was performed on 8-16-17 to determine manner and cause of death. Results of that autopsy are pending a toxicology report which is expected to take six to eight weeks.
There were three other occupants in the vehicle, Darwin Keith Alaskari, his wife Sherrie Lynn Boggess and their 13-year-old daughter. Alaskari and Boggess were arrested for felony child endangerment and misdemeanor warrants. Depending on the results of the autopsy, additional charges may be filed. The 13-year-old girl has been turned over to Child Welfare Services.
The preliminary investigation indicates the three were transporting the body of Cunningham to be buried somewhere in the Big Sur area or possibly out of state. At this time, it's not clear how long the body may have been in the back of the vehicle or why the suspects were in the Cayucos area. The investigation is continuing.