Former Inmate Sentenced to Life Without Parole for Girlfriend's Murder

Darryl Lamar Collins committed the killing just 364 days after being released from a previous double-homicide sentence.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 12:36pm

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Darryl Lamar Collins, 55, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Fatima Johnson. Collins had previously been sentenced to 50 years to life for two unrelated 1995 murders but was released in 2020 after serving only 25 years due to 2017 state legislation expanding 'youthful offender' parole eligibility.

Why it matters

The case has drawn intense scrutiny due to Collins' criminal history and the controversial 'youthful offender' law that allowed for his early release, which ultimately led to the murder of Johnson less than a year later. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system and parole policies.

The details

On July 2, 2021, Johnson's daughters and a friend discovered her body inside her South Western Avenue apartment. Investigators found the mother of six bound at the wrists and ankles with shoelaces and duct tape, and she had been gagged and smothered. Following the murder, Collins stole Johnson's Lexus, jewelry, and cell phone, pawning the items for drugs within hours of the killing.

  • In 1995, Collins was sentenced to 50 years to life for two unrelated murders.
  • In 2020, Collins was released from prison after serving only 25 years due to the 'youthful offender' law.
  • On July 2, 2021, Johnson's body was discovered in her apartment.
  • On July 3, 2021, Collins murdered Johnson, just 364 days after his release from prison.
  • On March 22, 2026, Collins was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The players

Darryl Lamar Collins

A 55-year-old man who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 murder of his girlfriend, Fatima Johnson. Collins had previously been sentenced to 50 years to life for two unrelated 1995 murders but was released in 2020 after serving only 25 years due to the 'youthful offender' law.

Fatima Johnson

A 53-year-old mother of six and nursing home employee who was murdered by her boyfriend, Darryl Lamar Collins, in 2021. Johnson had maintained eight years of sobriety and was actively pursuing her nursing license at the time of her death.

Judge Craig Veals

The Los Angeles County Superior Court judge who sentenced Darryl Lamar Collins to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 murder of Fatima Johnson.

Katrina Anderson

The deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case against Darryl Lamar Collins.

Noelle Brown

The deputy district attorney who prosecuted the case against Darryl Lamar Collins.

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What’s next

The judge's decision to sentence Collins to life in prison without the possibility of parole is final, and he will spend the rest of his life incarcerated.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around criminal justice reform and the effectiveness of parole policies, particularly when it comes to violent offenders. It raises questions about whether the 'youthful offender' law struck the right balance between rehabilitation and public safety.