By Lookut Staff

January 5, 2024 -- A Santa Monica man was arrested for murder New Year's Day after trying to force a tenant from a property he owns in San Bernardino County.

Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff Morongo Station, along with San Bernardino County Fire, responded to a medical aid request in the 55800 block of Montara Road on Monday.

When deputies arrived they found Jeffrey Cull, 71, who lived at the property, and the owner, William Durst, 54, Sheriff Department officials said.

"Cull was unresponsive and pronounced deceased," officials said.

Detectives with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail found that Durst "arrived at the location and attempted to force Cull to leave."

"Cull refused and an argument ensued," officials said. "Durst sprayed Cull with bear spray and placed him in a chokehold.

"Cull lost consciousness and succumbed to his injury," officials said.

Durst was arrested and booked for murder at the Morongo Basin jail.

Anyone with information about the case should call Detective Shawn Thurman of the Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904.