Authorities Say Evidence Links Suspect to Slayings

Forensic scientists have matched hair and saliva from a bloody ski mask found in the bedroom of a slain Garden Grove couple to a 19-year-old friend of the victims’ son, according to court documents.

Gerald Johnson of Villa Park has been charged with the killings last month of Jose and Elena Najera. Analysts found Jose Najera’s blood on the mask.

Garden Grove detectives questioned Johnson within days of the Dec. 28 slayings and noticed that he had slight cuts on his neck and face, according to a search warrant filed this week. Johnson told police he cut himself while shaving.

Detectives also are trying to identify a second suspect. Forensic evidence, including blood patterns made by two pairs of gloves, suggested that the victims were attacked by more than one assailant, the warrant said.

An autopsy also indicates that two weapons were used in the attack, which inflicted nearly a dozen wounds to each victim.