“Rapper Found Dead in Barrel at Malibu Lagoon: Victim Identified as Javonnta Murphy, Shot in Head”

An aspiring rapper, Javonnta Murphy, was found dead inside a barrel at Malibu Lagoon State Beach. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner determined that Murphy was shot in the head and listed his cause of death as a homicide. The barrel containing Murphy’s body was discovered by a park maintenance worker and later retrieved by a lifeguard. The investigation into Murphy’s murder is ongoing, and authorities are searching for clues and witnesses. Vivian Chow reported

According to a recent report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner, a 32-year-old aspiring rapper named Javonnta Murphy was found dead inside a barrel at Malibu Lagoon State Beach. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head, making it a homicide. Murphy’s body was discovered on July 31, inside a 55-gallon drum that was floating in the water near the Pacific Coast Highway bridge. He was found naked and sealed inside the barrel. The investigation is ongoing, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department working to identify the perpetrator.

The grim discovery was initially made by a park maintenance worker who noticed the barrel and decided to investigate further. However, the barrel was too heavy to be dragged ashore, so it was left in the water. The following day, a lifeguard arrived at work and retrieved the barrel, only to open it and find Murphy’s body inside. The incident shocked beachgoers and surfers in the area, as such occurrences are rare in that location.

Murphy, who had dreams of becoming a successful artist, was raised in South Los Angeles alongside his four brothers. He had recently moved into his first apartment in Sylmar before his untimely death. A family friend described him as a good kid who was not involved in gang activity, and they could not think of any potential enemies who might have targeted him.

The circumstances surrounding Murphy’s murder remain unclear, and no suspect information has been released. Detectives are currently searching the area for any possible clues, witnesses, or surveillance footage that could aid in the investigation. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has urged anyone with information to come forward and contact them..