Paroled Killer Murders Girlfriend Less Than a Year After Release

Darryl Lamar Collins, 55, sentenced to life in prison for killing his girlfriend Fatima Johnson, 53, just under a year after being paroled for a double murder.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 12:04am

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Darryl Lamar Collins, a convicted killer who was paroled early under California's liberal incarceration and parole policies, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Fatima Johnson less than a year after his release. Collins had previously been convicted of two separate murders committed as a 'youthful offender' in 1995 and was sentenced to 50 years in prison, but was released after serving only half of his sentence due to a change in California law in 2017 that raised the cutoff for youthful offender parole from 23 to 25 years old.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around California's criminal justice reforms, with critics arguing that the state's early release policies have led to repeat offenders committing violent crimes after being paroled. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of the state's youthful offender parole program and whether it adequately protects public safety.

The details

Collins killed Johnson on July 4, 2021, just under a year after his parole. Johnson was found with her wrists and ankles bound with shoelaces and duct tape, gagged with underwear, and had duct tape placed over her mouth and nose. Collins stole her cell phone, jewelry, and Lexus, and only hours after killing her, he pawned two of her necklaces and sold the Lexus for drugs.

  • In 1995, Collins was convicted of two separate murders committed as a 'youthful offender' and was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 25 years to life.
  • In 2017, California legislators raised the cutoff for youthful offender parole from 23 to 25 years old, which allowed Collins to be released after serving only half of his sentence.
  • On July 4, 2021, Collins killed his girlfriend Fatima Johnson, less than a year after being paroled.

The players

Darryl Lamar Collins

A 55-year-old convicted killer who was paroled early under California's liberal incarceration and parole policies and went on to murder his girlfriend less than a year later.

Fatima Johnson

A 53-year-old Los Angeles mother of six who was murdered by Darryl Lamar Collins.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who sentenced Collins to life in prison and criticized the state's early release policies.

George Gascon

The former Los Angeles District Attorney who was known for his liberal approach to criminal justice and letting many criminals off with light sentences.

Kevin Kiley

A federal lawmaker from California who has criticized the state's parole board decisions and early-release laws.

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What they’re saying

“Darryl Collins took three innocent lives. Today's sentence isn't just about punishment. It's also about protection from this sociopath to ensure he will never walk free again.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

“This case shows exactly what can happen when someone with a history of extreme violence is released from prison early. We can only hope that three families who have experienced unimaginable loss find some measure of peace knowing he will never again be back in our communities.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

“Had the state legislature not changed the law in 2017, almost 20 years after Collins' sentencing, raising the age cutoff from 23 to 25 for youthful offender parole, Collins would have been behind bars rather than on the street and able to senselessly and brutally take another innocent life.”

— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

“California's reckless laws and runaway Parole Board are getting our citizens killed.”

— Kevin Kiley, Federal Lawmaker (I-CA)

What’s next

The case has drawn the attention of federal lawmakers like Rep. Kevin Kiley, who is demanding a review of the parole board's decisions and California's early-release laws.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing debate around California's criminal justice reforms, with critics arguing that the state's early release policies have led to repeat offenders committing violent crimes after being paroled. It underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes public safety while also addressing underlying issues in the criminal justice system.