Former NFL player Kevin Johnson's death has taken a dark and disturbing turn as investigators believe it may be linked to three other unsolved homicides of homeless individuals in Los Angeles County. The 55-year-old Johnson, who suffered blunt force head trauma and stab wounds at the time of his death, was found dead on January 21 at a local homeless encampment.
Initially thought to be a singular act, police are now expanding their investigation after discovering that similar crimes occurred within a short time frame in the same general area. One of these deaths took place just five days after Johnson's body was discovered, with a man found in a nearby riverbed on January 26.
Tragically, two other homeless individuals have lost their lives under similar circumstances: Michelle Steele, 52, who was fatally shot on October 5, and Octavio Arias, 52, who died of head and neck trauma on December 4. While investigators have not released details about the nature of these crimes, they are working closely with mental health and homeless outreach workers to piece together the events surrounding Johnson's death.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, as detectives continue to investigate a possible connection between Johnson's murder and these other unsolved killings. As one can imagine, this case has left the community reeling in shock and outrage, highlighting the need for increased support and resources for those struggling on the streets.
Johnson spent three seasons in the NFL, including two with the Eagles, but his life took a devastating turn after he turned to homelessness. His death serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences that can befall vulnerable individuals, often due to circumstances beyond their control.
Initially thought to be a singular act, police are now expanding their investigation after discovering that similar crimes occurred within a short time frame in the same general area. One of these deaths took place just five days after Johnson's body was discovered, with a man found in a nearby riverbed on January 26.
Tragically, two other homeless individuals have lost their lives under similar circumstances: Michelle Steele, 52, who was fatally shot on October 5, and Octavio Arias, 52, who died of head and neck trauma on December 4. While investigators have not released details about the nature of these crimes, they are working closely with mental health and homeless outreach workers to piece together the events surrounding Johnson's death.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, as detectives continue to investigate a possible connection between Johnson's murder and these other unsolved killings. As one can imagine, this case has left the community reeling in shock and outrage, highlighting the need for increased support and resources for those struggling on the streets.
Johnson spent three seasons in the NFL, including two with the Eagles, but his life took a devastating turn after he turned to homelessness. His death serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic consequences that can befall vulnerable individuals, often due to circumstances beyond their control.
this is just heartbreaking... four lives lost and it's like they're all connected in some way. how could we let things get this bad? 
homeless people are already struggling to survive on the streets, and then you add violence to the mix... it's just devastating.
. we need to address the root causes of homelessness and poverty, because until we do, people like Kevin Johnson and Michelle Steele will keep losing their lives.
3 people in one area are dying under similar circumstances... it's like they're being targeted or something... homeless people deserve better than this... we need more resources and support to help them out of that situation... not just talk about it, but take action... 
, and it's making me think about our homeless crisis in LA. I mean, we're always talking about how much we love our gridlock traffic and expensive housing market, but when someone like Kevin Johnson, who had a decent life playing football, ends up on the streets and gets killed... it just highlights the need for better mental health services and affordable housing options 
. The police are trying to investigate, but they need more resources and support to tackle this complex issue.
.
This is so sad... I mean, I'm all for helping those in need, and we gotta do better for our homeless folks, you feel? It's like, they're just trying to survive on the streets, but sometimes it feels like no one cares anymore. 
And now this poor guy, Kevin Johnson, who was a former NFL player, and he ended up losing his life in such a brutal way... it's just heartbreaking.
And the fact that detectives are now investigating a possible connection between all these deaths is giving me chills 
. I'm all about the homeless community and we need more support and resources for them, not just sympathy. We should be raising funds to help get people off the streets instead of just talking about it 
. And can't we do something to prevent this kind of thing from happening in the future? Like, mental health services and job training programs and stuff... that would make a real difference 
.
... kevin johnson's story was already heartbreaking enough as he went from nfl star to homeless person. now we gotta wonder if the same people who did him were responsible for those other 3 unsolved murders 
... how many more people have to die before something changes? i'm talking about more than just funding, we need systemic changes 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this case gets solved soon and justice is served 
.
. IT'S A REMINDER THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO NEED HELP AND SUPPORT, AND WE SHOULD BE DOING MORE TO HELP THEM OUT 
homeless shelters and mental health services are already stretched thin, now we need more. like, how do you even begin to help people when their lives are literally falling apart? 
.
.
... and I'm sure the authorities are doing their best to find answers, but it's still way too little, too late