Another death in the Willowbrook wash is under investigation after a man was found dead in the riverbed near a homeless encampment early Monday, just days after former NFL lineman Kevin Johnson was discovered slain nearby.
Deputies were called just after midnight to the 1300 block of East 120th Street in unincorporated Willowbrook, where they pronounced the man dead at the scene. The case is already raising fresh questions in a neighborhood still shaken by Johnson's killing.
What officials say
In a news release, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said deputies were dispatched to the 1300 block of E. 120th Street around 12:22 a.m., where they found "a deceased male adult in an apparent homeless encampment located adjacent to the flood control channel." The department said there was "no additional information available at this time" and urged anyone with information to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau.
The scene sits in the wash near the 120th Street bridge across from the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, according to CBS Los Angeles.
What we know about Kevin Johnson
Earlier this month, 55-year-old Kevin Johnson was found dead along that same stretch of E. 120th Street after deputies responded to a call about an unconscious man. The Los Angeles County coroner listed blunt head trauma and stab wounds and ruled his death a homicide, according to the Los Angeles Times.
No arrests have been announced in Johnson's case, and authorities have asked witnesses to come forward. Former NFL lineman Kevin Johnson quickly became a focus of intense local coverage after news of his killing broke.
Investigators say no link yet
So far, detectives have not said there is any connection between Monday's death and Johnson's killing, and the Sheriff's Department has described the latest case as an active, ongoing investigation, according to CBS Los Angeles.
Officials have asked anyone who saw activity in the area around the 120th Street bridge to call the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
Community context
The wash under the 120th Street bridge sits across from the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, and local reporting says a small memorial now marks the spot where Johnson was found. The display underscores the human toll of homelessness in South L.A., according to the Los Angeles Times.
Advocates and neighbors say the deaths highlight the risks faced by people living in encampments and have renewed calls for more outreach and services.
How to help
The Sheriff's Department alert lists the Homicide Bureau tip line, Crime Stoppers and the P3 Tips app for anonymous submissions. Anyone with information is urged to call (323) 890-5500 or (800) 222-TIPS, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Investigators say they are continuing to gather evidence at the scene and will release updates as they become available.
