Authorities Probe Possible Link Between Unhoused Murders in Los Angeles

Four homicides in the same area over four months raise concerns about violence against the unhoused community.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Investigators are examining whether the murder of former NFL player Kevin Johnson is connected to three other homicides involving unhoused people in the same area of Los Angeles over the past four months. All four victims were living in encampments near the 1300 block of East 120th Street in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The deaths highlight the ongoing issue of violence against people experiencing homelessness. A 2024 report documented nearly 2,000 incidents of violence against unhoused individuals nationwide over 23 years, underscoring the vulnerability of this population.

The details

Johnson, 55, was found dead on January 21 with blunt force trauma and stab wounds. The other victims were Michelle Steele, 52, who was shot in the head on November 12, 2025; Octavio Arias, 52, who suffered blunt head and neck trauma on December 4, 2025; and Mauro Alfaro, 52, who was found dead on January 26, 2026. Authorities have not identified a suspect or confirmed the cases are definitively linked, but similarities in location prompted a broader review.

  • On January 21, 2026, Kevin Johnson was found dead.
  • On November 12, 2025, Michelle Steele was shot in the head and died at a hospital.
  • On December 4, 2025, Octavio Arias was killed and suffered blunt head and neck trauma.
  • On January 26, 2026, Mauro Alfaro was found dead.

The players

Kevin Johnson

A 55-year-old former NFL defensive tackle who graduated from Westchester High School.

Michelle Steele

A 52-year-old unhoused individual who was shot in the head and died on November 12, 2025.

Octavio Arias

A 52-year-old unhoused individual who was killed on December 4, 2025, and suffered blunt head and neck trauma.

Mauro Alfaro

A 52-year-old unhoused individual who was found dead on January 26, 2026.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the possible connection between the four homicides.

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What they’re saying

“We must do more to protect the unhoused community and prevent these senseless acts of violence.”

— Reverend Michael Dunn, Community Activist (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

Investigators will continue to examine evidence and determine if the four homicides are definitively linked.

The takeaway

These tragic deaths underscore the urgent need to address the issue of violence against unhoused individuals and provide greater support and resources to protect this vulnerable population.