The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner has identified the body of a man found dead inside a 55-gallon drum in Malibu Lagoon. The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Javonnta Murphy.
The discovery was made on Monday when a lifeguard spotted the barrel, which had been previously seen by a park maintenance worker on Sunday night but had been too heavy to drag to shore. The barrel was retrieved from the water around 10 a.m. on Monday, revealing the tragic findings.
According to Lt. Hugo Raynaga, the body did not appear to have been in the water for an extended period. Authorities speculate that high tide may have carried the barrel into the lagoon from the ocean.
The news of the discovery has left local beachgoers and surfers shocked and deeply concerned. As one beachgoer stated, such an occurrence is rare and unthinkable in the area.
Law enforcement officials, including detectives, are currently searching the area for any potential clues, witnesses, or surveillance footage that may assist in their ongoing investigation.
The Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone with information to come forward. At this time, no additional information about the victim has been released by the authorities. This incident underscores the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in investigating and solving such tragic cases.