Man Found Dead Inside Barrel Floating In Malibu Lagoon Is Identified By Authorities

MALIBU, CA — Authorities have identified the man whose body was found inside a 55-gallon drum floating in Malibu Lagoon earlier this week.

Javonnta Murphy, 32, was identified as the victim by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office.

Murphy was a singer/songwriter, according to his Instagram, where family and friends have been posting tributes.

The investigation into Murphy's death is containing after a park worker first spotted the barrel floating 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 Murphy's unclothed 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