In the early morning hours of June 22nd 2018, a man was shot dead in his tent while camping with his two young daughters in Malibu Creek State Park. A 911 call went out at around 5am and the body of 35 year old, Tristan Beaudette was found dying inside his tent of a gunshot wound to his head. His daughters, age 2 and 4, were found unharmed inside the tent. Apparently, there were bullet holes in the tent indicating the shooter was outside.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-m … story.html

While this murder was tragic and unprovoked, it is not an isolated incident at the park. In January of 2017, a couple were sleeping in their car when they heard a loud bang. Being groggy at the time, they went back to sleep. The next morning while getting coffee, they found a bullet and a gaping hole in the hatchback of their car. The couple posted about the incident (to warn other campers) on their facebook account.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php? … 1324233073

https://www.facebook.com/10000132423307 … =3&theater

Prior to that, in November of 2016, a young man was sleeping in a hammock when he was struck in the arm with birdshot. He fell out of the hammock and looked around but saw nothing. He survived but later needed surgery to remove the shrapnel form his arm.

At this time, the police are remaining tight-lipped and won’t confirm any links between the shootings. Each incident occurred between 4am and 5am and appear to be from close range. It’s hard to imagine that these incidents are not connected in some way.

The murder of Tristan Beaudette has brought to light other recent killings in the area which has understandably outraged the local residents since they were not informed of the crimes.

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-m … story.html

The park was closed for a week after the Beaudette killing but no way would I recommend anyone camp there until the responsible person/persons is apprehended.

My husband and I went camping (in Northern Cal) in mid-August and I’m so glad I didn’t know the details of these crimes. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep a wink with the critters creeping about outside our tent.