Ex-NFL player Kevin Johnson’s murder possibly linked to string of killings near Compton Creek

Kevin Johnson, a former NFL player for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Oakland Raiders, left this world at age 55. Per sources, he was found in critical condition at a homeless encampment near Compton Creek in L.A. County. His death has now drawn the attention of investigators reviewing multiple killings in the same area.

According to law enforcement sources cited by Eyewitness News, Johnson’s case is being examined for possible links to three other murders reported near the L.A. River in Willowbrook. Officials have not confirmed any connection, and no suspect has been identified.

How Authorities connected Kevin Johnson’s murder to other bodies found near Compton Creek

Kevin Johnson’s body was discovered on Jan. 21 at an encampment next to Compton Creek. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner listed his cause of death as blunt head trauma and stab wounds and ruled the case a homicide.

The first known killing in the area occurred on Oct. 5, 2025. A 52-year-old woman, Michelle Steele, was shot in the head near the creek. She later died in the hospital on November 12, 2025, according to investigators.

The second case was reported on Dec. 4, 2025. A homeless man identified as Octavio Arias, also 52, was discovered dead in the same area. Medical examiner records state that he died from head and neck trauma.

Following Johnson’s death, a fourth victim was identified as Mauro Alfaro, who was killed on Jan. 26. Sources said Alfaro died from blunt force trauma.

Sources inside the L.A. County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau alludes that detectives are now reviewing whether all four deaths may involve the same suspect. Officials stressed that no concrete evidence currently links the cases.

Investigators are working to determine the motive. They are examining whether the killings involve hostility toward homeless people, drug activity, or gang-related disputes. Eight detectives are assigned to the case. Officials say it remains difficult to gather information from people living in the area.

Johnson, a L.A. native, played in the NFL from 1995 to 1997 with the Eagles and Raiders. He later played in the Arena Football League with the Orlando Predators and L.A. Avengers.


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