Former NFL defensive lineman Kevin Johnson was found dead at a homeless encampment in Los Angeles. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt head trauma and stab wounds. Authorities are investigating the case, but no arrests have been made.
At a Glance
- Former NFL lineman Kevin Johnson dies at Willowbrook encampment.
- Cause: blunt head trauma and stab wounds.
- Investigation underway, no arrests reported.
Death Details
Johnson was discovered unconscious on a Wednesday morning by deputies responding to a report at the 1300 block of East 120th Street. He was transported to a medical facility but was pronounced dead upon arrival. The medical examiner determined blunt head trauma and stab wounds were the cause.
Death Details 2
The death was ruled a homicide and is currently under investigation. Investigators believe Johnson had been living at the encampment at the time of his death. No suspects have been identified so far.
Investigation
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation. They are reviewing evidence collected from the scene, including forensic samples. The bureau has not released any suspect names.
Investigation 2
Investigators are interviewing residents of the encampment and nearby witnesses. They are also reviewing surveillance footage from the area. The investigation is ongoing with no arrests reported.
Career
Johnson was drafted in the fourth round by the New England Patriots in 1993. He played for the Patriots, Vikings, Raiders, and Eagles during his NFL career. With the Eagles, he finished with 43 tackles, seven sacks, and a fumble return touchdown.
Career 2
He played 15 games for Oakland in 1997 before moving to the Arena Football League. In the AFL, Johnson played for Orlando and Los Angeles. He played college football at Texas Southern.
Encampment
The encampment is located in the Willowbrook area of southern Los Angeles County. It sits on the 1300 block of East 120th Street. The site is known for a homeless population.
Encampment 2
The encampment serves as a temporary shelter for individuals without homes. Residents have reported a lack of resources and concerns about safety. The location has been in use for several years.
Contact
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau can be contacted for further information. The public is urged to come forward if they have any information about the case. Tips can be submitted through the department’s official channels.
Contact 2
Law enforcement is requesting witnesses to come forward. They are also looking for anyone who may have seen or heard anything near the encampment on the day of the incident. The department encourages the community to assist in the investigation.
Video
The incident was broadcast on NBC4 News at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 2026. The video showed deputies arriving at the encampment and the scene of the discovery. Viewers were shown the aftermath of the investigation.
Video 2
The broadcast was part of the local news coverage on January 23, 2026. It provided visual confirmation of the events that unfolded at the encampment. The footage was shared with the public to raise awareness.
Medical Examiner
The medical examiner’s office released a statement to the press confirming the cause of death. The statement included the victim’s age and the circumstances of the incident. It was distributed to local news outlets.
Medical Examiner 2
The statement clarified that blunt head trauma and stab wounds were the primary causes. It also noted that the death was ruled homicide. The statement was issued on January 23, 2026.
Homicide Bureau
The Homicide Bureau is reviewing forensic evidence collected from the encampment. They are also examining any surveillance footage available from nearby cameras. The bureau is asking for witnesses to come forward.
Homicide Bureau 2
The bureau is investigating potential motives behind the homicide. They are also seeking the identity of the perpetrator. The investigation remains active with no arrests yet.
Public Appeal
The public is encouraged to contact the Homicide Bureau if they have any information. Law enforcement is asking anyone who saw or heard anything near the encampment on the day of the incident to come forward. They are also looking for any surveillance footage.
Public Appeal 2
Anyone with tips can submit them through the department’s official channels. The Homicide Bureau is working to solve the case as quickly as possible. The investigation continues with no suspects identified.
Final Update
The investigation remains a priority for law enforcement. The community is urged to remain vigilant. The case will be updated as new information emerges.
