Photo: Javonnta Murphy | By Richard Winton, Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times / Yahoo | The man whose body was found inside a barrel at Malibu Lagoon State Beach on Monday has been identified as a 32-year-old Sylmar man who was pursuing a career in music, according to authorities and a family friend.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner identified the man as Javonnta Murphy but divulged no details about the cause and manner of death, which is being investigated by Los Angeles County sheriff’s homicide detectives.
Murphy grew up in South Los Angeles with his four [siblings], said Patrick Nelson, 46, a family friend who dated Murphy’s mother and considered himself a stepfather of sorts to Murphy.
After the death of Murphy’s grandmother, who anchored their family, Murphy moved into an apartment of his own in Sylmar, Nelson said. He was pursuing a career in rapping and dreamed of becoming a successful artist, Nelson said.
Murphy spent his free time lifting weights and running, Nelson said, and was father to a young son.
“He was a good kid, good person. He didn’t gang-bang. What happened to him, I just don’t understand,” Nelson said.
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It wasn’t clear how long the body had been inside the barrel, Reynaga said Monday, but the body did not appear to be decomposed.
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Photo: Javonnta Murphy
Man Found in Barrel at Malibu Lagoon was Aspiring L.A. Recording Artist
