Investigation Continues Into Body Found In Barrel Floating In Malibu Lagoon

MALIBU, CA — Authorities are continuing their investigation following the discovery of a body in a 55-gallon drum that was floating in Malibu Lagoon.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department has revealed that it was a Black man's body inside the barrel, but have not yet identified him. Deputies said the man was unclothed.

“It didn’t look decomposed or like it had been there for a long time,” said sheriff's Lt. Hugo Raynaga told KTLA.

A park worker first spotted the barrel in the water Sunday night, but was unable to retrieve it. A lifeguard retrieved the barrel using a kayak at around 10 a.m. Monday morning, brought the barrel to shore and discovered the man's body inside, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the sheriff's homicide bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers online or by calling 800-222-8477

City News Service contributed to this report.