Police link Oakland murder to underground car theft ring and chop shop

mercurynews.com February 4, 2025, 11:00 PM UTC

Juan Montiel, 34, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Kody Johnston, 25, who was shot while trying to recover a friend's stolen car. Montiel is linked to an underground car theft ring and chop shop in Oakland. Police discovered eight stolen vehicles and weapons during a raid on a chop shop on January 31. Montiel was arrested after barricading himself inside the location, and DNA evidence later connected him to Johnston's murder on December 30. Johnston was helping a friend retrieve her car, which had been carjacked earlier. Montiel allegedly confronted them, leading to the fatal shooting when Johnston refused to leave the vehicle. Montiel remains in jail without bail.


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