Ex-Penthouse model's death probed by Navy investigators

Navy investigators Friday appealed for help from the public in unraveling the mystery behind the death of a former Penthouse model whose nude body was found on a beach at Camp Pendleton.

The body of Anneka Vasta, 58, also known as Anneka Di Lorenzo, was found Jan. 4. An autopsy determined she had drowned and had suffered a broken back and neck.

Vasta was Penthouse Pet of the Year in 1975 and acted in the 1979 movie "Caligula." She later sued Penthouse publisher Robert Guccione over alleged sexual harassment.

After her modeling and acting career waned, Vasta divorced and, in recent years, suffered psychological problems, investigators said.

Although there is no indication of foul play, investigators are at a loss to explain what Vasta was doing at the beach. Her body was found several miles away from her car, which was parked on a public overlook along Interstate 5.

Because the body was found on a beach owned by the Marine Corps, the investigation is being done by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

ALSO:

Classic Porsche stolen 23 years ago seized at port

Paranormal Housewives of Southern California hunt down ghosts

Outrage after Dodgers attorney suggests Bryan Stow partly to blame

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: Anneka Vasta with Swiss artist H.R. Giger in 1980. Vasta in recent years. Credit: Fox5-San Diego