Police May Have New Clue in String of Mysterious Shootings

Burglary suspect arrested in Malibu Creek State Park
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 11, 2018 12:02 PM CDT
Burglary Suspect May Be Linked to Mysterious Shootings
In this July 1, 2018 photo a sign directs motorists to Malibu Creek State Park near Calabasas, Calif.   (AP Photo/John Antczak)

Are investigators finally one step closer to solving the mysterious shootings—one fatal—that have plagued California's Malibu Creek State Park over a two-year period? Sources tell NBC News that a burglary suspect arrested Wednesday in a remote area of the park may be connected to the shootings, though they stress that the investigation is in its early stages. Investigators were looking for an armed prowler suspected in eight burglaries in the Malibu and Calabasas areas dating back to October 2016 when Anthony Rauda, 42, was found; he surrendered "after a few tense moments" and was taken into custody, Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell said. "[It was a] very dangerous search, and thankfully it worked out as well as it did."

Rauda was carrying a rifle when deputies found him, ABC 7 reports. He was booked based on a no-bail felony parole violation warrant; authorities say he has a criminal history involving weapons and burglaries. The Ventura County Star has a timeline of the string of burglaries authorities were investigating in connection with Rauda. "We can't say no at this point," said McDonnell when asked whether Rauda could be a suspect in the shootings, which also began in 2016, but "certainly that is part of the ongoing investigation." Among the shootings was one that killed pharmaceutical scientist Tristan Beaudette, 35, as he camped with his two young daughters at the park. He was asleep in his tent at the time. (More Malibu stories.)

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