Fatima Johnson, 53: Found Bound & Murdered In South L.A.
*Update 11/2023 via KTLA News: “Darryl Lamar Collins, 51, of Baldwin Park, has been charged with one count of murder with the special circumstance allegation of a prior first-degree murder conviction, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.“
As the United States celebrated the Fourth of July from coast to coast weeks ago, a gruesome murder was being uncovered in Los Angeles. When Fatima Johnson didn’t show up to work on July 3, didn’t attend her mother’s celebration of life ceremony, and failed to respond to the numerous text messages being frantically sent to her from her loved ones, the 53-year-old’s daughters reportedly decided it was time to stop by her South L.A. home on Western Ave in Manchester Square. It was there that the body of Fatima was found wrapped in a blanket with her hands tied.
“She was wrapped in a sheet, tied up,” said Johnson’s sister, Shalonda Madison. “Duct tape over her mouth, and she had wire around her hands. She was bound and hog-tied, so they cut her loose.”
Responding officers pronounced Fatima Johnson dead at the scene, and an investigation uncovered that many of her personal items were also missing. It’s suspected that whoever is responsible for her death stole her jewelry, cellphone, and 2008 silver Lexus. Fatima’s daughter, Tyesha Harvey, reportedly revealed that her mother had been strangled.
“What happened to my mother is something that no child should ever see of their parent,” said Tyesha.
Fatima had a busy schedule as she reportedly worked at a retirement home near her residence while continuing her education. Her family described her as a person who was a natural caregiver and would do her best to take care of those around her.
“She was the ‘hood mother to everyone,” Tyesha added. “She always put out a life jacket for those drowning.”
Investigators have yet to name a suspect in this case, but ABC7 News in Los Angeles reported that police are looking at Fatima’s boyfriend as a person of interest. Although Fatima lived in what has been described as a rough neighborhood, authorities have stated that her slaying is not gang-related.
“My family is asking for justice, we’re not asking for much,” Tyesha said during a recent press conference. She does not believe that her mother’s case is receiving the attention it both needs and deserves. “Just because my mother was killed on 76th and Western in South L.A., in a drug-infested neighborhood, does not mean that she was a bad woman. It does not mean she doesn’t deserve the same due justice as if she would have been found in Beverly Hills or Hollywood Hills.”
Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson reportedly stated that he would request a $50,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest.
“All of South LA was saddened by the tragic murder of Fatima Johnson, and our hearts go out to her family and friends. However, we know someone has information about this crime that can lead to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator,” he said. “We hope that this monetary reward will motivate witnesses to come forward and, with their help, provide the family and friends of Fatima Johnson and our community with a sense of justice and closure.”
Fatima’s loved ones, as well as several members of the community, gathered together for a candlelight vigil in her honor. People have come to pay their respects by laying flowers at her doorstep. To help the family of Fatima Johnson during this time, please visit the GoFundMe page set up to alleviate some of the financial burdens brought on by this tragedy.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LAPD South Bureau Homicide Division, Detectives Brian Smith or Pat Farmer at (323) 786-5113 or their local authorities. You may also call in tips anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
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Sources
Los Angeles Times
PEOPLE
ABC7 News
ABC7 News
