LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities in Santa Monica are investigating the death of a woman whose body was discovered early Monday morning on the city’s beach, describing the circumstances as suspicious.
According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), a city employee found the unresponsive woman near the waterline on the 1500 block of the beach at approximately 7 a.m. Officers arrived to find the victim in a sleeping bag with visible injuries to her face. Paramedics with the Santa Monica Fire Department pronounced her dead at the scene.
“At this time, the identity of the victim has not been determined. The circumstances surrounding the victim’s death are under investigation by SMPD,” the department said in a statement.
The woman was believed to be experiencing homelessness, though officials have not confirmed further details about her background. Investigators are working to determine how she sustained her injuries and whether foul play was involved.
The case adds to growing concerns over the vulnerability of homeless individuals living in public spaces, particularly in coastal areas where transient populations often seek shelter. Santa Monica has seen an increase in reports of violence involving unhoused residents in recent years, prompting local officials to strengthen outreach and public safety efforts.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or those with relevant details can contact Detective Peter Zamfirov at [email protected], Sergeant Alfonso Lozano at [email protected], or the Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.
