10-27-2023 4:50pm

2 suspects arrested, charged with the murder of Javonnta Marshann Murphy whose body was discovered in barrel at Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

Two male suspects have been apprehended and charged surrounding the slaying of Javonnta Marshann Murphy, 32, whose body was discovered on Monday inside a barrel at Malibu Lagoon State Beach, officers said.

Dennis Eugene Vance, 41, and Joshua Lee Simmons, 37, were arrested for the murder of Javonnta Marshann Murphy, in October 3, 2023, and arraigned two days thereafter, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.

Murphy's body was found on July 31, 2023. Days later, after the county coroner's inquest, officials said the cause of Mr. Murphy's demise was a gunshot injury to the head.

As reported on FOX11 News, The barrel was initially seen over the weekend but it was not opened until early Monday morning, said Lt. Hugo Reynaga of the Los Angeles County sheriff’s homicide bureau during a news conference.
Amid the investigation Detectives also discovered that suspect Simmons was liable for an additional crime of attempted robbery in El Monte, the news release said.

Simmons was charged with murder, attempted robbery, personal use of a handgun, criminal threats, and personal use of bear spray.

Suspect Vance was charged with one count of accessory after the fact in association with Murphy's demise.

According to the Sheriff's Department, Both suspects " were acquainted with Murphy.

The reason for the killing is presently unknown, investigators say.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

By Anita Johnson-Brown