The recent solar eclipse captivated the world, drawing people together in a shared moment of awe. But in Los Angeles, this celestial event cast a sinister shadow, becoming tragically intertwined with a horrifying crime spree. At the heart of this disturbing story is Danielle Aoaka, a woman whose life and death have left more questions than answers.
Danielle Aoaka, known professionally as Danielle Johnson, was a 34-year-old Los Angeles resident living with her partner, 29-year-old Jayen Cheney, and their two young daughters, aged nine and eight months. Johnson had gained a substantial online following in recent years as an “astrology influencer,” using the moniker “Ioka” and the handle “@MysticXLispstick” on X (formerly Twitter). She offered astrological advice, private spiritual readings, and often shared her interpretations of cosmic events.
The Day of the Eclipse: A Trail of Tragedy Unfolds
On April 8th, the day of the eclipse, the idyllic facade of Johnson’s life crumbled, revealing a dark and violent undercurrent. At approximately 3:30 a.m., a heated argument erupted between Johnson and Cheney in their Woodland Hills apartment. This altercation turned fatal when Johnson allegedly stabbed Cheney to death, fleeing the scene with her two young daughters.
Johnson then embarked on a terrifying journey down the bustling 405 freeway. According to LAPD Lieutenant Guy Goolan, Johnson slowed her vehicle, opened the passenger door, and ordered her nine-year-old daughter to exit the moving car. When the child didn’t comply, Johnson reportedly pushed her out onto the busy freeway. Tragically, the nine-year-old was holding her eight-month-old sister at the time.
The impact of the fall caused the nine-year-old to lose her grip on the infant. Miraculously, the older daughter survived with moderate injuries and was rushed to the hospital. However, the eight-month-old girl succumbed to her injuries. The unimaginable horror of these events sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.
Johnson’s horrific actions didn’t end there. She proceeded to drive her Porsche SUV at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour, ultimately crashing into a tree in Redondo Beach. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The discovery of Cheney’s body in the couple’s apartment further deepened the mystery. A neighbor, alerted by the sounds of the previous night’s argument, noticed blood in the hallway and elevator area and contacted authorities. Inside the apartment, police found Cheney stabbed to death in the kitchen, a knife lying nearby. Adding to the unsettling scene were tarot cards and black feathers found scattered around the apartment.
A Digital Trail of Disturbing Prophecies
As news of the crime spree spread, attention turned to Johnson’s online persona, “Ioka.” With a substantial following of around 100,000 on X, Johnson had been featured in publications such as Refinery 29 and The Fader, receiving positive reviews for her supposed clairvoyant abilities. Her website, DanielleIoka.com, presented her as a “certified Reiki Master Teacher” trained in various alternative healing modalities, claiming she experienced a near-death experience at the age of three that ignited her spiritual journey.
However, in the months leading up to the eclipse, Johnson’s online posts took on an increasingly ominous tone, often centered around warnings and conspiracy theories related to the celestial event. She shared posts suggesting the eclipse was a harbinger of societal upheaval and urged her followers to seek spiritual protection.
Posts such as “This eclipse is the epitome of spiritual warfare. Get your protection on and your heart in the right place,” and “Wake up wake up the apocalypse is here. Everyone who has ears listen. Your time to choose what you believe is now,” painted a chilling picture of her state of mind.
Unanswered Questions and a Community in Shock
While the LAPD investigation is ongoing, authorities have stated that they are not attributing Johnson’s actions to her beliefs in astrology or magic. The motive behind this horrific tragedy remains unclear. A family member, speaking anonymously to the Los Angeles Times, suggested that postpartum issues, rather than Johnson’s spiritual beliefs, might have played a role.
The most heartbreaking aspect of this tragedy is the unimaginable trauma endured by Johnson’s surviving daughter. Recovering in the hospital, the nine-year-old is believed to have witnessed both the stabbing of her father and the death of her baby sister. The long-term impact of these events on this young girl is a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of this senseless act.
