(L.A.) Kevin Johnson, 55, Died at a Homeless Encampment

Case Number: 2026-01232

Los Angeles County is reporting the death of a 55-year-old Black male that occurred at a homeless encampment in Willowbrook.

The coroner’s office identified the man as Kevin Johnson.

Manner of Death: Homicide

Cause of Death: Blunt-Force Head Trauma and Stab Wounds

RIP KEVIN JOHNSON (October 30, 1970 – January 21, 2026)

Formal pronouncement of death was made on Wednesday morning.

The decedent was found at around 8:00 a.m. He had been a professional defensive tackle who played three seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Oakland Raiders.

Johnson was a standout at Texas Southern University, where he played alongside future Hall of Famer Michael Strahan. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft but did not make their regular-season roster.

• Philadelphia Eagles (1995–1996): Johnson enjoyed his most productive years in Philadelphia. In 1995, he recorded 6 sacks and returned a fumble for a touchdown in just 11 games. Over two seasons with the Eagles, he totaled 43 tackles and 7 sacks.
• Oakland Raiders (1997): He appeared in 15 games for the Raiders in his final NFL season.
• Arena Football League: After his NFL career, Johnson played for the Orlando Predators and the Los Angeles Avengers. He won an ArenaBowl championship with Orlando in 1998.

Reportedly found in the area was a shovel that might have been used to hit the victim on the head.

Note that there are numerous decedents named “Kevin Johnson” in public records.