The body of a local rap artist, Javonnta Murphy, was found in a sealed barrel at a Southern California beach. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner identified the body and foul play is suspected. The barrel was initially pulled ashore by a maintenance worker, but was later recovered by a lifeguard who found Murphy’s body inside. The investigation into his death is ongoing. Eli Walsh reported
The Los Angeles Times has reported that the body discovered inside a sealed barrel at a Southern California beach has been identified as Javonnta Murphy, a local rap artist from Sylmar. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has confirmed Murphy’s identity, but the cause of his death has yet to be announced. However, it is believed that foul play was involved. The body was found naked and concealed inside a 55-gallon drum at Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Initially, a maintenance worker found the barrel on Sunday but did not open it. It was later washed back into the water and retrieved on Monday by a lifeguard who discovered Murphy’s body when opening it. The origin of the barrel and whether it was brought in by the tide remains unclear. Witnesses have claimed to have seen it in the water at the beach on Saturday. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Murphy’s death is still ongoing..