Former NFL player’s killing may be linked to other homeless murders in L.A.

Investigators in Los Angeles County are examining whether the killing of former NFL player Kevin Johnson is part of a broader pattern of murders targeting homeless people, according to KABC.

Johnson, 55, was found dead Jan. 21 at a homeless encampment near Compton Creek in the Willowbrook area. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined he died from blunt force head injuries and stab wounds and ruled the death a homicide.

Law enforcement sources told KABC that detectives are reviewing three earlier killings in the same corridor involving homeless individuals, though authorities said that no definitive link has been established.

A second victim, identified as Octavio Arias, 52, was killed on Dec. 4 in the same area. The medical examiner determined Arias died from head and neck trauma. A fourth victim, identified as Mauro Alfaro, also in his 50s, was killed on Jan. 26.

Sources within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau told KABC that investigators are exploring whether the four deaths could be connected and possibly committed by the same person.

Johnson was selected in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL draft and played professionally for several teams during his career, including stints with New England, Minnesota, Oakland and Philadelphia, according to the Associated Press. He later played in the Arena Football League and spent time with teams in Orlando and Los Angeles.

The Associated Press reported that investigators believe Johnson had been living at the encampment where his body was found. Friends told AP that Johnson faced health problems later in life that contributed to his living situation.