Police have identified the deceased individual found in a barrel at Malibu Lagoon State Beach, as per the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office. The death was attributed to a gunshot wound to the head.

The details of the murder of Javonnta Marshann Murphy, 32, are under investigation. TMZ has reported potential links between this incident and the 2020 murder of rapper Pop Smoke. Jaquan Murphy, Javonnta’s brother, was previously arrested in the Pop Smoke case but was subsequently cleared and is being charged in another shooting incident. Police are investigating this lead.

Patrick Murphy, acquainted with the family, shared insights about Javonnta. He mentioned Javonnta’s upbringing in South Los Angeles and his aspirations in the rap music scene. Patrick also emphasized Javonnta’s non-involvement in gang activities.

A 55-gallon barrel containing a naked body was discovered by a lifeguard in the lagoon on August 1. The LA County Sheriff’s Department was notified and declared the individual dead on-site. Lt. Hugo Reynaga of the LA County Sheriff’s homicide bureau shared his thoughts on the barrel’s origin, suggesting it might have come from the ocean during a high tide. He also commented on the state of the body, indicating a short time frame between the death and the discovery.