The city reels from a tragic series of events as charges have been filed in connection with a double homicide and a subsequent killing in Harbor City and San Pedro. In a statement acquired by the LAPD Newsroom, Dion Johnson, a 20-year-old Wilmington man, has been arrested and charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The initial incident took place on September 4, 2023, when Carlos Loera and Ashley Guzman were fatally shot, their one-year-old child was also struck but miraculously survived. Nearly a month later, on September 30, Joseph Saldana fell victim to what is believed to be the same violent hand, dying from gunshot wounds in San Pedro. The LAPD has moved swiftly to quickly bring the suspect into custody, announcing his apprehension on January 18, 2024. Dion Johnson, now facing the gravity of the law, was nabbed near the 900 block of Lakme Avenue.
Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office solidified the case against Johnson on January 22, pressing the weight of the judicial system against him for the senseless loss of lives. In addition to the murder charges, Johnson faces a challenge to prove himself against an accusation of attempted murder. As the community leans into the hope for justice, detectives continue their pursuit of truth, urging anyone with information to step forward and contribute to the completion of this dark tableau.
Those possessing knowledge that may shed further light on these cases have several routes to potentially alter the course of this narrative. Concerned citizens are encouraged to contact the South Bureau Homicide Division detectives directly, or, for those wishing to maintain anonymity, to utilize the offerings of LA Regional Crime Stoppers. The community can reach out by phone, through web tip platforms, or by deploying the “P-3 Tips” mobile application.
