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Investigators seek information on man found dead offshore of Mission Beach

Posted at 7:11 PM, Oct 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-19 07:57:39-04

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Authorities reached out to the public today for information about an Egyptian man who was found dead under potentially suspicious circumstances off the coast of Mission Beach.

The body of 37-year-old Haitham "Max" Elshayeb was floating about two and a half miles from shore when a fisherman on a boat spotted it shortly before 10:30 a.m. Oct. 10, San Diego police said.

The body, dressed only in surfer-style shorts, didn't show any obvious signs of traumatic injuries, Lt. Anthony Dupree said. A possibly suspicious circumstance, however, was a chain wrapped around the dead man's waist, though it might have been used simply as a belt or style accessory, the lieutenant said.

Homicide detectives were called in to investigate the fatality "out of an abundance of caution," and the death has been classified as suspicious, Dupree said. A ruling on the cause of Elshayeb's death remained on hold this week pending completion of postmortem exams.

Police hope to contact people who had contact with Elshayeb in the days and weeks leading to his death, Dupree said.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.