LOS ANGELES — Joshua Lee Simmons, a man already facing charges in connection with the killing of a man whose body was found in a 55-gallon drum on a beach in Malibu and a failed smash-and-grab robbery in El Monte, is set to be arraigned next week on a new murder count. The charge stems from the slaying of Anthony Soloc in Inglewood almost a year ago. Simmons, 37, will appear in court next Friday to face the amended criminal complaint, which includes a murder charge related to the shooting death of Soloc on January 20, 2023.
The amended complaint also includes a special-circumstance allegation of multiple murders, as well as allegations that Simmons personally used an assault weapon and a semi-automatic pistol. Simmons was previously charged in October with murder and a handgun use allegation in connection with the death of Javonnta Marshann Murphy, whose body was found inside the 55-gallon drum on Pacific Coast Highway.
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Sheriff’s homicide investigators determined that Murphy had been shot and killed before being stuffed inside the barrel. Simmons is also facing charges of criminal threats involving separate victims on July 27 and September 2, as well as one count of attempted robbery in El Monte on September 2. In the El Monte incident, Simmons was caught on video attempting to smash jewelry cases and steal merchandise before being chased off by store employees.
The criminal complaint states that Simmons used bear repellent spray during the September crimes and has prior convictions for grand theft and burglary. He was arrested on October 3 by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and has been in custody since then. A second defendant, Dennis Eugene Vance, 41, is charged with being an accessory after the fact and is currently free on bond.
Simmons’ arraignment next week marks another step in the legal proceedings surrounding these violent crimes. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue justice for the victims and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
