Authorities are conducting a homicide investigation following the discovery of a man’s body inside a container at Malibu Lagoon State Beach on Monday. The Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a deceased individual found in a 55-gallon drum that was floating near the shore. Lifeguards brought the barrel ashore and upon opening it, they found the lifeless body of an unidentified Black male. Paramedics pronounced the person dead at the scene, and no further details about the body have been released.
The incident occurred around 10:27 in the morning near the 23200 block of Pacific Coast Highway, according to the sheriff’s department. The container appeared to have been found on the lagoon side of the beach, but it remains unclear how long it had been in the water. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet determined the cause of death. However, due to the circumstances, it is being treated as a homicide.
Law enforcement officials have been heavily involved in the investigation, prompting authorities to advise beachgoers to vacate the area for most of Monday. The presence of numerous officers and investigators indicates the seriousness of the case and the need for a thorough examination of the crime scene.
The identity of the deceased individual has not been disclosed, and it is unknown whether the person had any connection to the area. Detectives are working diligently to gather information and piece together the events leading up to the discovery of the body. They will be relying on forensic analysis, witness statements, and any other relevant evidence to shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
Authorities are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity or individuals in the vicinity of Malibu Lagoon State Beach in recent days. As the investigation progresses, updates will be provided to the public.