A shocking discovery was made on Monday when maintenance workers stumbled upon a body stuffed inside a 55-gallon drum on the pristine shores of Malibu, a glamorous destination known for its celebrity appeal. The area is frequented by the rich and famous, but the serene ambience was marred by the unsettling find.

According to reports, the deceased man’s body had been crammed into the barrel, and it was found by sanitation workers who spotted it bobbing in the water at Malibu Lagoon State Beach on Sunday evening. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide detectives have taken charge of the case, yet the identity of the victim and the cause of death remain undisclosed at this time.

Malibu, situated less than an hour from Los Angeles, has long been an attractive coastal haven for many prominent figures, including musicians like Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin and “Friends” actress Courteney Cox. Past residents include notable names such as Julia Roberts, Cindy Crawford, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Paris Hilton.

While the investigation is still ongoing, barrels have been known to be a preferred method of disposal for organised crime members seeking to dispose of a corpse discreetly. Incidents like these evoke memories of a chilling discovery last year when the receding waters of Lake Mead revealed the skeletal remains of a murder victim inside a drum. Mafia experts speculated that the crime could have been committed decades earlier by mobsters from nearby Las Vegas.

As authorities delve into the case of the body found in the barrel on Malibu Beach, the community remains on edge, awaiting answers. The tranquil coastal paradise has been shaken by this unsettling incident, leaving residents and visitors alike concerned about the safety and security of the area.