The deceased body found inside the barrel at Malibu Lagoon Monday morning was identified as 32-year-old Javonnta Murphy, according to The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. Murphy was a singer/songwriter in Los Angeles.
According to the report, the cause of death was a gunshot wound in his head.
Detectives are continuing to search the area for clues, witnesses and surveillance footage that may aid them in the investigation. No further information about Murphy has been released.
TMZ website is reporting Murphy’s murder may have a connection to the murder of rapper Pop Smoke in 2020. Murphy, an aspiring rapper, was the brother of Jaquan Murphy, one of five people arrested for Pop Smoke’s murder. He was eventually cleared of charges. TMZ reports LA County Sheriff’s detectives are looking into connections between both murders and a possible retaliation motive.
Judy Abel also contributed to this report.