‘Malibu Sniper’ Gets Life In Prison For 2018 Killing Of Father On Camping Trip

Topline

A Los Angeles man was sentenced to 119 years to life in prison Wednesday for murdering a father who was camped out in a tent with his two daughters—a sentencing that came after convictions for several separate offenses dating back to 2016.

Key Facts

Anthony Rauda, 46, who was dubbed the “Malibu Sniper,” was sentenced following multiple convictions last month, including a second-degree murder conviction for the killing of 35-year-old research scientist Tristan Beaudette in June 2018.

Beaudette was sleeping in a tent at Malibu State Park with two of his daughters when he was shot—the children were not injured and were listed as victims of attempted murder.

Beaudette’s brother-in-law testified during the trial in Los Angeles County court with his recollection of the shooting, saying he heard loud popping sounds and crying from one of Beaudette’s children while camped in a nearby tent.

The brother-in-law attempted to comfort the children and checked Beaudette for a pulse, but the father was unresponsive, according to his testimony.

Rauda was also convicted of attempted murder last month in addition to five counts of second-degree burglary, which are unrelated to the charges involving Beaudette and his daughters.

Key Background

In the final argument from prosecutors last month, deputy district attorney Antonella Nistorescu alleged that Rauda’s burglaries were carried out while he wore dark clothing and a mask and toted a rifle. Following his last break-in, Rauda was found by authorities through boot prints and a scent dog which led to a makeshift encampment. He was tracked down in October 2018, four months after he killed Beaudette. LAPD’s major crimes division undertook large-scale manhunts in their search for Rouda. Rouda was acquitted of seven additional attempted-murder charges. Prosecutors said Rauda terrorized the Malibu State Park area since late 2016, according to CBS News Los Angeles. Rauda was described as a “survivalist” by authorities, who added the convicted murderer would live off stolen food and sleep outside.

Tangent

Prosecutors accused Rauda in a complaint of engaging in random shootings on three different occasions, all of which were directed at vehicles. Nobody was harmed in the shootings.

Surprising Fact

Malibu Creek State Park’s campground was shut down for about 11 months following Beaudette’s murder. Authorities confirmed after the killing that seven unsolved shootings occurred at or near the park since late 2015.

Further Reading

‘Malibu Sniper’ sentenced to 119 years to life for killing camping father (CBS)

Malibu Sniper sentenced to prison in shooting death of father camping with daughters (NBC Los Angeles)