Charges could be filed this month in Johnson murder
The man suspected of killing Kristine Johnson toured at least half a dozen vacant homes mainly in the Hollywood Hills shortly before the 22-year-old Santa Monica woman disappeared last month, sources said.
A real estate agent, who showed the homes to the suspect, called Santa Monica police after seeing the composite sketch of the man police were seeking in connection with Johnson’s disappearance, according to a realtor familiar with the properties who asked to remain anonymous.
Some of the properties were reportedly broken into after the man — who claimed to be a computer scientist — toured the homes, the realtor said.
Police served 10 search warrants last week, but have only confirmed searches of the suspect’s West Hollywood residence and a home on the same block of Skyline Drive in Laurel Canyon where Johnson’s body was discovered in a ravine.
Police remain tight-lipped about what was recovered in the searches and in Johnson’s car, which was found on Feb. 16 at the St. Regis Hotel in Century City, the day after she disappeared.
After an initial autopsy on Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Coroner requested additional tests before determining a cause of death. Results are expected in six to eight weeks.
“It’s not unusual to do toxicology reports on homicide cases,” said county coroner spokesman David Campbell, adding that Johnson’s body had been in the ravine for about two weeks. Johnson’s family has been asked to provide dental records to confirm her identity, he said.
Police still won’t release the name of the suspect for fear of accusing an innocent man. However, several other L.A.-area media outlets have released his name and his criminal record, which includes previous convictions for using false pretenses to victimize young, attractive women. Often, these pretenses have included claims of connections in the entertainment industry.
The Daily Press is not naming the suspect because police have not yet charged him with a crime.
The 40-year-old suspect was reportedly released from state prison on Jan. 20, then arrested by Beverly Hills police on Feb. 17 for suspicion of auto theft, violating parole and resisting arrest. He is reportedly being held on $1.15 million bail at the Los Angeles County Jail.
Police believe the suspect in custody is the same man who in late January tried to lure a woman into his clutches in West Hollywood by posing as a publicity photographer for a film. The title of the film the woman reported was the same one Johnson told her roommates she was going to audition for and the same one the suspect has been known to use previously.
The woman in the West Hollywood incident, suspicious of the man’s behavior and aggressiveness, was able to escape after her boyfriend intervened.
Johnson, who apparently met the suspect prior to telling her roommates she was going to the Century City Mall for the film audition, wasn’t as fortunate. She was found by hikers Monday, her body partially clothed, wrists bound and covered in a sleeping bag.
Even though Johnson’s body was found in Los Angeles, SMPD remains the lead investigating agency on the murder case.
“When we arrived at the crime scene, (SMPD Chief James T. Butts Jr. and Los Angeles Police Chief Bill Bratton) had a brief discussion and it was determined that Santa Monica would be handling the investigation,” SMPD Lt. Frank Fabrega said.
Butts said on Tuesday that his department is keeping the case because multiple Santa Monica investigators have already worked hundreds of hours tracking down evidence.
“I really want to commend the detectives involved,” Butts said. “They have treated this as a mission. We will do everything in our power to bring justice.”
“I really want to commend the detectives involved. They have treated this as a mission. We will do everything in our power to bring justice.” — — JAMES T. BUTTS JR. Santa Monica police chief
SMPD is working closely with the district attorney’s office as the prosecuting agency for the criminal investigation. Charges could be filed within the next two weeks.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 6, 2003. Read the original PDF.