The Santa Monica Police Department is seeking information about a potential murder near the Santa Monica Pier.
According to a statement released by SMPD, a body was found underneath the pier at about 6:40 a.m. on Thursday morning. The body was found in the sand between the ocean the pier (not in the bike path tunnel) and officers believe the victim might have been sleeping on the beach.
“Officers arrived on scene and determined the deceased, a male in his 30’s, suffered an injury consistent with blunt force trauma to the head,” said the statement.
SMPD said the evidence at the scene suggests homicide over accidental death. Forensic technicians were on site Thursday but no time of death had been determined. Officers said there’s nothing to suggest the death was connected to the Pier concert Wednesday night.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward, particularly witnesses who may have been around the pier in the early morning hours.
Lieutenant Saul Rodriguez said the investigation is ongoing but has no impact on routine activities on the Pier.
The death is the fourth murder in Santa Monica this year. Suspects are in custody in the first three cases. SMPD investigated two murders last year. In those cases, one suspect was arrested but the investigation remains open into the second case.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective Leone at (310) 458-8943; Detective Goodwin at (310) 458-8942; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.
