Fatima Johnson

Fatima Johnson was murdered less than a year after Darryl Collins had been released from prison for two prior murders under California's youthful offender parole laws. Collins had originally been convicted of two separate murders committed in 1995 and was serving a lengthy prison sentence when he was granted parole after serving approximately 25 years.

On July 2, 2021, Collins entered Johnson's apartment in Los Angeles, where he bound and gagged the 53-year-old woman before killing her. After the murder, Collins stole her personal property and attempted to profit from the crime. Johnson's body was discovered by her daughters and best friend, who found her bound, gagged, and wrapped in a blanket inside her home.

The murder sent shockwaves through the community and reignited concerns about the release of violent offenders with histories of serious crimes. Johnson's death was particularly troubling because Collins had already taken two lives before being released from prison. Less than a year after regaining his freedom, he committed yet another brutal murder.

For many victims' advocates and law enforcement officials, the case stands as a stark example of the devastating consequences that can occur when violent offenders are released after serving only a portion of the sentences originally imposed by the courts.

Following Johnson's murder, Collins was convicted and sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole.