Naked man’s body discovered inside large barrel at Malibu beach

LOS ANGELES (TCD) -- Homicide detectives are investigating after a man’s body was discovered inside a large drum at a beach in the wealthy community of Malibu.

According to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, on Monday, July 31, at approximately 10:10 a.m., deputies responded to a death investigation on the 23200 block of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. A lifeguard reportedly "noticed a 55-gallon plastic barrel drum floating in the lagoon" and swam out to retrieve it.

The Sheriff’s Department said the lifeguard opened the container and discovered a naked, deceased Black male inside.

Lt. Hugo Reynaga from the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit told The Malibu Times Reynaga said a maintenance worker first noticed the container Sunday, July 30, and kayaked out to bring it back to the shore. According to Reynaga, the drum "was too heavy and they didn’t want to open it, so they left it on shore."

Reynaga believes the barrel got back into the water due to the high tide.

Homicide detectives are investigating the case.

KTLA-TV reports officials do not think the victim had been in the barrel for long.

MORE:

• LASD Homicide Detectives Responding to a Death Investigation, 23200 block of PCH - Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
• The Malibu Times Twitter
• Man’s body found inside barrel at Malibu beach - KTLA