LAGUNA BEACH, CA – The community of Laguna Beach is grappling with shock and sorrow following the tragic death of a 27-year-old woman, found in an alley behind a former movie theatre and a restaurant on Sunday.
Laguna Beach Police Department officers responded to the scene after a construction worker discovered Tatum Goodwin’s body in a secluded spot in the vicinity of the 200 block of Ocean Avenue around 8:20 a.m., according to police reports. According to police, Goodwin’s body exhibited signs of trauma indicative of a homicide, sending waves of disbelief through the community.
Other acquaintances and friends described Goodwin as a cherished part of their community whose untimely death under such tragic circumstances has left them horrified. Nicolas Alonge spoke of her as a warm, familiar face in the community, known for her work at Carmelita’s in San Clemente.
Marcos Heredia, owner of Carmelita’s, painted a picture of Goodwin as a valuable team member who had been a part of his restaurant staff for over four years, serving as an assistant manager. He recounted how the grievously injured body of the 27-year-old was discovered in the alleyway behind his restaurant.
Goodwin’s friends reported that she had spent the previous night at Hennessey’s Tavern. The local establishment has since appealed on social media for any pictures or videos of Goodwin during that evening. In the meantime, Heredia has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist Goodwin’s family with memorial expenses and to commission a mural in her honor.