Los Angeles County was shocked by a tragic series of events culminating in a murder-suicide, leaving a 9-year-old girl as the sole survivor of her family. The incident, which unfolded across multiple locations, involved the death of an infant and the apparent suicide of their mother.

Woodland Hills: Stabbing and Murder

The ordeal began in Woodland Hills, where 34-year-old Danielle Cherakiyah Johnson allegedly stabbed her partner, 29-year-old Jaelen Allen Chaney, to death inside their apartment at the Montecito Apartment complex on Variel Avenue. The discovery was made around 3:30 a.m. when a neighbor noticed blood throughout the complex and alerted authorities.

Neighbors described the family as reclusive, rarely interacting with others and receiving deliveries at their door. The tragic incident left the community in shock, especially considering the involvement of children.

Westchester: Discovery on the Freeway

Around 4:30 a.m., a driver spotted two children, including an 8-month-old infant and a 9-year-old girl, on the northbound lanes of the 405 Freeway. Tragically, the infant was found dead at the scene while the girl sustained minor injuries. Detectives are investigating whether the children were pushed or fell out of the moving vehicle.

Redondo Beach: Fatal Crash

After the disturbing discovery on the freeway, Johnson continued driving until her car crashed into a tree near a church on Pacific Coast Highway in Redondo Beach around 5 a.m. The impact occurred at speeds exceeding 100 mph, resulting in Johnson’s death, which authorities are treating as a suicide.

Ongoing Investigations and Support

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the children involved but are in contact with the surviving girl’s family. The California Highway Patrol, LAPD, and Redondo Beach Police are conducting thorough investigations into the case.

In light of the tragedy, support resources such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are being emphasized for those in distress.

The community mourns the loss of innocent lives and grapples with the devastating aftermath of this heartbreaking incident.

Download The Local News App

Stay informed about local news and tragic events like this by downloading The Local News App to your phone today.

Source