Heartbroken family ask for information after woman was found dead, tied up and gagged at her south Los Angeles home

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) – The family of a 53-year-old woman who was found dead, with duct tape over her mouth and her hands tied inside her home in South Los Angeles over the weekend , pleads for answers, with authorities saying they have not identified any suspects. The victim’s boyfriend has been identified as a person of interest.

Fatima Johnson was found inside her home in the 7600 block of South Western Avenue by her daughters just after midnight on Sunday after she failed to show up for work and respond to text messages.

According to a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to the scene shortly after and she was pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles firefighters.

Family members told Eyewitness News Johnson’s hands were tied and she was wrapped in a blanket. The grisly discovery comes just over a week before Johnson’s 54th birthday.

There were no other obvious signs of trauma, the LAPD said.

Relatives say the killer stole Johnson’s silver Lexus, jewelry and cell phone. LAPD investigators said they could not confirm the thefts.

“The scene that my sisters and I witnessed firsthand and what happened to my mother is something that no child should ever see from their parents,” said daughter Tyesha Harvey.

Johnson’s family and friends say they believe Johnson’s boyfriend is responsible.

“He just got out of jail six months ago after serving a 25-year sentence for murder,” Harvey said. “We took it upon ourselves to start showing up on my mom and watching her to make sure she was okay because we didn’t feel comfortable with her relationship.”

Investigators say they view the boyfriend as a person of interest, but say the investigation is still early days. The suspect, identified only as a male, fled the scene in an unknown direction, police said, adding that the incident was not linked to a gang.

“To the man who murdered my mother, I spoke to you this morning. I want you to make your statement. I want you to surrender,” her daughter Kamia Jones said.

Harvey adds that his mother’s murder is a huge loss to the community, which she has always tried to help – whether it’s feeding the kids in the neighborhood or helping someone with the money from gasoline. His family is hopeful that his killer will soon be behind bars.

“My mom made an impact on everyone she touched. Anyone who knows Fatima Johnson, they are going to tell you good things about her no matter who you talk to because she impacted everyone. world, ”she said.

Dozens of people gathered for a candlelight vigil held in Johnson’s honor on Monday outside his home, Ali said. A growing memorial of candles and flowers now stands outside its door.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family with the cost of funeral services.

Johnson’s death comes amid an increase in murders in Los Angeles, according to an LA Times report. Between July 2 and July 5, the LAPD reportedly recorded a dozen deaths, and the LA County Sheriff’s Department recorded at least four more.