Death of ex-NFL star takes horrifying turn after he was found dead near homeless encampment
Topics: NFL, Los Angeles, Crime, US News
Callum Jones
Featured Image Credit: George Gojkovich/Getty Images
Topics: NFL, Los Angeles, Crime, US News
The death of former NFL star Kevin Johnson could be linked to three other murders near a homeless encampment in Los Angeles, authorities have said.
Johnson, a former Philadelphia Eagles player, was found deceased last month at an encampment 1300 block of E. 120th Street in Willowbrook.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner say Johnson died from 'blunt head trauma and stab wounds'. He was just 55 years old.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Johnson was homeless and was living at the camp at the time of the awful tragedy.
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Detectives are now investigating a possible link between the former NFL star's death and the killings of three other homeless people in the same area between October 2025 and January 2026.
The LA County Sheriff's Department said in a press release: "Investigators are working to determine whether these cases are related."
On October 5 2025, a woman later identified as 52-year-old Michelle Steele was shot in the head and died a month later on November 12 2025.
Only a few weeks later, on December 4, Octavio Arias, also 52, was killed in the same area of LA. She died as a result of head and neck trauma.
Mauro Alfaro, also said to be in his 50s, was murdered on January 26, with the cause of death listed as blunt force trauma.
The sheriff's department added in a statement: "Homicide investigators continue to pursue all investigative leads and remain committed to identifying the individual or individuals responsible for these crimes.
"Homicide Bureau investigators are seeking the public’s assistance and encourages anyone with information related to any of these incidents to come forward and contact Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500."
Anyone with information can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).
Johnson's tragic passing sent shockwaves across the world of NFL last month as a friend of the former sports player spoke to ABC News about how poor health had led to Johnson living on the streets.
"He was my best friend. I was [the] best man at his wedding. He was a great guy, fun-loving. The community is going to miss him," he said.
A suspect is yet to be detained on suspicion of Johnson's murder.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].