Killing of ex-NFL player Kevin Johnson possibly linked to other murders, LASD says

Kevin Johnson's death possibly linked to serial killer

Former NFL player Kevin Johnson's death is rumored to have been linked to a suspected serial killer.

LOS ANGELES - The death of former NFL defensive lineman Kevin Johnson may be linked to three other murders, the sheriff's department said Tuesday.  

What we don't know:

Johnson was stabbed to death on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 at a homeless encampment in LA County's Willowbrook neighborhood. His death was ruled a homicide. 

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Kevin Johnson: Former NFL defensive lineman's death being investigated as homicide
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The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau said they are actively investigating a series of homicides, all involving unhoused individuals in the same general location of the 1300 block of East 120th Street.

Kevin Johnson's murder possibly linked to 3 others

The LA County Sheriff's Department says all four victims were homeless and living in encampments in the vicinity of the 1300 block of East 120th Street.

The four homicides, which includes Johnson, occurred between October 2025 and January 2026. 

Investigators are working to determine whether the cases are related. All four victims were unhoused, living in encampments in the area.

Details on the three other murders were not released by the department. 

Retired LAPD Detective Moses Castillo says investigators usually start looking for a common thread.

"To see did these victims know each other? Or what was the connection, the method of the injury and fatal wound if you will, are they all similar? Are they connected? And you begin to see patterns," said Castillo.

Law enforcement experts say its important that investigators speak with everyone that lives in the area where the victims were found.

"I think it's important, number one that they establish a repport with this special population of the unhoused, because if they don't earn their trust, they're not going to speak of anything. Silence protects the killer, so we need you to speak up. If you know something, please tell the authorities," said Castillo.

Kevin Johnson's son speaks out on father's murder

Investigators say the death of Kevin Johnson may be linked to three other murders in the Willowbrook area. His son Brandon speaks exclusively with FOX 11's Laura Diaz following recent developents.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.