The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office has identified the body found in a barrel at Malibu Lagoon State Beach in California.
The individual was 32-year-old Javonnta Marshann Murphy. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head.
Murphy’s death is currently under investigation. TMZ has reported that authorities are examining any potential connection between Murphy’s death and the 2020 murder of rapper Pop Smoke. Javonnta Murphy’s brother, Jaquan Murphy, was among those arrested in relation to Pop Smoke’s murder but was later cleared. He is currently facing charges for a different shooting case.
Patrick Murphy, a family acquaintance, provided some background on Javonnta. He mentioned that Javonnta grew up in South Los Angeles and was pursuing a career in rap music. Patrick emphasized that Javonnta distanced himself from gang activities.
On August 1, a lifeguard discovered a 55-gallon barrel containing a body in the lagoon. The LA County Sheriff’s Department was alerted, and the body was pronounced dead at the scene. Lt. Hugo Reynaga of the LA County Sheriff’s homicide bureau speculated that the barrel might have drifted in from the ocean during high tide. He also commented on the body’s state, suggesting a short duration between the death and discovery.