LA County Sheriff’s Department Homicide detectives are investigating circumstances surrounding the suspicious death of a security guard at the Trancas Country Market shopping center, located not far from Zuma Beach in northern Malibu.
The victim, discovered Tuesday morning, was identified as the overnight security guard at the upscale shopping center, which includes boutique shops, an independent organic grocery store and a Starbucks, among other tenants. In a social media post, the City of Malibu indicated the guard was found near Trancas Canyon Nursery, a garden shop located toward the back of the shopping center along Trancas Canyon Road.
No further information about the victim’s identity was immediately made available.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station received a “person down call” around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, according to the station’s watch sergeant, who spoke briefly to the Daily Press Tuesday. LASD homicide detectives assigned to the case did not respond to an interview request on Tuesday afternoon.
When deputies arrived, they located the security guard, described as “a white male victim, approximately 58-years old,” with obvious blunt force trauma to his upper torso, according to an LASD statement. “LA County Fire Department Paramedics arrived to the location, treated, and ultimately pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.”
LA County Fire PIO Craig Little confirmed an LA County Fire engine and squad vehicle were called out to the shopping center at 7:12 a.m. Tuesday to assist sheriff’s deputies on scene at the time, but could not provide further details about the condition of the victim. A McCormick ambulance was also called to the center.
Malibu High Principal Patrick Miller tweeted: “We have been in communication with Lost Hills Sheriff Station. School is continuing with normal operation at this time with no known threat or concern to our school community.”
Spokespeople for the Trancas Country Market did not provide comment by Daily Press deadline Tuesday.
Anyone with information about the suspicious death was encouraged to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323.890.5500.
Anonymous tips can be reported to LASD “Crime Stoppers” at 800.222.8477, via the P3 Tips smartphone app or by using the website lacrimestoppers.org.
emily@smdp.com
