A teenager in the United States has been charged with murder and burglary after allegedly killing his neighbour and then living in the deceased man's home for a fortnight while the victim's body lay decomposing in the garden.
Body Discovered During Welfare Check
Xzavion Johnson is accused of the murder of 57-year-old David Jimenez in Phoenix, Arizona. The grim discovery was made on Monday after police conducted a welfare check. Officers found Jimenez's body in the garden in what was described as an "advanced state of decomposition".
The investigation began when concerned neighbours, who had not seen Jimenez, alerted authorities. They reported believing someone else was living in his home. Johnson's own mother played a crucial role, telling police she had not seen her son since late December 2025.
When she went to check on her neighbour David, she allegedly found a package on his front porch addressed to her son, Xzavion. She also reported a foul odour emanating from the garden.
Two-Week Occupation and Standoff
Upon arrival, police not only discovered the body but also found Johnson inside the property. According to reports from Law&Crime, the teenager barricaded himself inside for an extended period before eventually surrendering, allowing officers to arrest him.
During questioning, Johnson reportedly told investigators he went to Jimenez's home on December 29 with the intent to rob him. He allegedly brought a stolen gun with him. He stated that upon finding a side gate open, he entered the property, encountered Jimenez, and opened fire, killing him.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Xzavion Johnson now faces formal charges of murder and burglary in connection with the death of David Jimenez. The case highlights a profoundly disturbing sequence of events, where the alleged perpetrator is accused of occupying the victim's residence for two weeks following the fatal attack.
The Phoenix Police Department continues its investigation into the full circumstances surrounding this tragic and unsettling crime.
