California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

California Lutheran University's Student Newspaper Since 1961

The Echo

    Malibu Hiker Deaths Unanswered

    Despite ongoing murder investigations, Malibu Creek State Park remains open for day use and nearby Solstice Canyon was the destination for a hike put on by California Lutheran Universityโ€™s Outdoor Recreation program.

    Open investigation: โ€œThere are 10 officers on site and a helicopter circling the area looking for more information,โ€ a Malibu State Creek Park ranger said. โ€œThe lower campground remains closed until further notice.โ€ Photo by Francisco Atkinson - Photojournalist
    Open investigation: โ€œThere are 10 officers on site and a helicopter circling the area looking for more information,โ€ a Malibu State Creek Park ranger said. โ€œThe lower campground remains closed until further notice.โ€
    Photo by Francisco Atkinson – Photojournalist

    Beginning in 2016, hikers and campers in the Malibu area have been targets of shootings with unknown origins. Most bullets hit parked vehicles in the campground parking lot, but one man was struck in the arm while sleeping in a hammock. In June of this year, a man was shot and killed while sleeping in his tent.

    According to The Los Angeles Times, Irvine scientist Tristan Beaudette was camping with his two daughters when he was fatally wounded. In the months since Beaudetteโ€™s death, Malibu Creek State Park remains the site of investigations by the Los Angeles County Sheriffโ€™s Department.

    The California Department of Parks and Recreation posted a statement on the Malibu Creek web page warning visitors that the campgrounds are closed until further notice.

    โ€œThe safety of park visitors is our top priority, and California State Parks is working closely with the Los Angeles County Sheriffโ€™s Department homicide detectives as they investigate the incident,โ€ according to the statement.

    The state parks website also says that all campground reservations are canceled and visitors will be refunded. According to the Ventura County Star, there have been several other reports of shots heard within the state park, all of which remain unsolved.

    The entrance to the trail right before the campground that is under investigation. Photo by Francisco Atkinson - Photojournalist
    The entrance to the trail right before the campground that is under investigation.
    Photo by Francisco Atkinson – Photojournalist

    L.A. County Sheriffโ€™s Department conducted a search for an armed burglar who is suspected to be living off the land, NBC Los Angeles reports. It is unclear whether this is related to the shootings.

    Coordinator for Recreational Sports and Wellness Ryan Kolter said the murder investigation will not hinder the Outdoor Recreation trip to Solstice Canyon. This is Kolterโ€™s first year in the coordinator position.

    โ€œWe did our research through theย National Parks service [website], and there was nothing there that had red flags for us,โ€ Kolter said.

    Kolter said he hopes to gain student interest in off-campus trips, beginning with Solstice Canyon. Cal Lutheranโ€™sย Outdoor Recreation Program gives students opportunities to participate in recreational activities on and off campus. Kolter said he hopes to include overnight trips in the future.

    Tristan Jackson
    Reporter

    Editor’s Note: This article was updated to reflect that research for the Oct. 6 Solstice Canyon trip was done through the National Parks Service website andย was sponsored by Cal Lutheran’s Outdoor Recreation Program.