Authorities are looking into the murder of former NFL player Kevin Johnson to see if it’s linked to three separate killings of homeless individuals in Compton Creek, Los Angeles.
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are examining the possibility that Johnson’s death is connected to recent homicides at a well-known homeless encampment near the Los Angeles River, specifically close to Willowbrook.
Johnson was discovered on January 21, suffering from multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma. He was living at the encampment when he was attacked, according to reports.
The coroner identified the cause of death as “blunt force trauma to the head” along with “stabbing wounds,” officially ruling it a homicide.
A representative from the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau indicated that the investigation is looking into whether these cases might involve the same perpetrator.
As of now, no suspects have been identified.
The first of the related incidents took place on October 5, 2025, involving a 52-year-old woman named Michelle Steele, who was found shot in the head. She died in the hospital a month later.
Then, on December 4, another killing occurred, claiming the life of a 52-year-old homeless man, Octavio Arias, in the same vicinity. His cause of death was also determined to be head and neck trauma.
Just five days after Johnson’s murder, another victim, Maura Alfaro, who was in her 50s, was found dead, also due to blunt force trauma.
While detectives have stated there’s currently no definitive evidence linking these four deaths, they are actively trying to establish a possible motive behind the attacks.
Investigators are also exploring potential reasons, including whether drugs or gang activities might be involved, or if it could be tied to frustration directed against homeless individuals in the area.
Attempts to engage the homeless community for information have not yet yielded results, and local officials are working on relocating those living in the encampment to alternative housing options.
Police are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact homicide detectives or Crimestoppers.
