MALIBU—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a possible homicide involving an overnight security guard, whose body was found in the parking lot of the Trancas Country Market in Malibu on Tuesday, March 29.
At around 7 a.m., a market employee discovered the body of a 58-year-old male security guard outside the Trancas Canyon Nursery in the 30000 block of Pacific Coast Highway. Deputies responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. The victim’s body was found lying in a pool of blood, the LASD deputies reported.
According to officials, the body appeared to show signs of blunt force trauma to the head. No weapons were found, but investigators are deeming the situation suspicious.
“They examined the victim. He appeared to sustain some sort of blunt force trauma to the upper torso,” said Lieutenant Vincent M. Ursini during a press conference on Tuesday. “There was some to the head but there might have been to other portions of the torso. We just don’t know at this point,” Lt. Ursini added.
“It’s scary as hell. I walk my dog through here every day and I know the security guards by face. I wave at them. They’re nice people,” resident Hans Lietz told NBC4.
Deputies from the LASD Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station are actively investigating the homicide and possible assault that occurred overnight.
“We are canvassing the area for any video that might have captured the incident and witnesses who may have some sort of information,” Lt. Vincent M. Ursini said. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office has not identified the victim or established the cause of death.
Anyone with details about the incident is asked to call LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or Anonymous (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
