Overview
- Kevin Johnson, 55, was found dead Jan. 21 at a Willowbrook encampment near Compton Creek, with the medical examiner citing blunt head trauma and stab wounds and ruling the case a homicide.
- Sheriff’s officials say four killings of unhoused people occurred between October 2025 and January 2026 along the 1300 block of East 120th Street and are being reviewed for possible connections.
- Local reports identify the other victims as Michelle Steele, 52, who was shot Oct. 5 and died Nov. 12; Octavio Arias, 52, who died of head and neck trauma on Dec. 4; and Mauro Alfaro, in his 50s, who was killed Jan. 26 by blunt force trauma.
- Investigators note differing methods across the cases, no identified suspect, and no confirmed motive, which complicates determining whether a single perpetrator is responsible.
- The Homicide Bureau is working with Operation Safe Streets and county mental-health and homeless outreach teams, reporting limited cooperation from encampment residents and urging tips at 323-890-5500.