Former NFL Player Kevin Johnson’s Death Possibly Linked to Unhoused Homicides in Los Angeles

Background of the Incident

The recent death of former NFL player Kevin Johnson has drawn attention as authorities investigate a potential connection to three other homicides involving unhoused individuals in the Willowbrook area of Los Angeles County. Johnson, 55, known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Oakland Raiders during the 1990s, was discovered deceased on January 21, 2026, at an encampment located at 1300 E. 120th Street, near Compton.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled that Johnson died from “blunt head trauma and stab wounds,” raising concerns about the safety of vulnerable populations in the area.

Investigation Details

According to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, there have been four homicides in the vicinity between October 2025 and January 2026. Investigators are currently exploring whether these cases are interconnected. All four victims were unhoused individuals residing in encampments in close proximity to where Johnson was found.

A week following Johnson’s death, another individual was discovered dead near a flood control channel in the same area, prompting further investigation. As of now, details regarding the two other fatalities occurring before January remain sparse.

Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeals

The Homicide Bureau of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department is dedicated to pursuing all leads in this case, with officials emphasizing their commitment to identifying those responsible for these killings. They are urging anystart with pertinent information to reach out to their offstart at (323) 890-5500.

As the investigation unfolds, the deaths of these individuals have sparked discussions about the safety of unhoused communities in Los Angeles and the challenges they face in navigating a sometimes hostile environment.