Malibu artist severely beaten, hospitalized in induced coma

MALIBU (FOX 11 / CNS) - A Malibu artist who was badly beaten and near death when he was found next to the Malibu Library was identified, it was reported Tuesday.

Stafford Taylor was reported missing the day after he left a Fourth of July party at a friend's home in Malibu. Friends searching for him found his car parked on Pacific Coast Highway, news outlets reported.

"Detectives are interviewing people and trying to reconstruct the timeline,'' said Lt. Jim Royal of the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station told the Malibu Times.

Taylor suffered a serious brain injury and is in an induced coma, family members said.

A GoFundMe was started to help cover Taylor's medical expenses.

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