The individual whom law enforcement accuses of fatally stabbing her partner and then pushing her two young daughters out of a moving car on the San Diego (405) Freeway, resulting in the death of her one child, before herself dying in a car crash in Redondo Beach, was deeply interested in astrology.
Astrologer Mom Throws Two Daughters onto Los Angeles Freeway
Identified as 34-year-old Danielle Cherakiyah Johnson, she went by the online alias Danielle Ayoka, where she presented herself as an astrologer, Reiki master teacher, and recording artist.
Investigators, upon searching her Woodland Hills apartment, discovered items such as Tarot cards and black feathers.
Before the tragic events, Johnson, under the name Ayoka, had posted an online message warning of the perceived dangers associated with the solar eclipse that occurred just an hour before the violent incident. These postings included a spiritual message and calls to action, alongside antisemitic remarks and conspiracy theories.
Authorities believe Johnson killed her partner, 29-year-old Jaelen Allen Chaney, in their shared apartment before fleeing with her two young daughters.
Subsequently, the California Highway Patrol responded to the freeway incident, finding one of her daughters dead and the other injured. Johnson, believed to be driving, allegedly pushed the girls out of the car.
The chain of events concluded with Johnson crashing her vehicle in Redondo Beach, resulting in her death. The Los Angeles Police Department labeled the series of circumstances a double-murder-suicide.
Ayoka's website offers numerous spiritual services, contemplative her background in Shamanism and her uncommon means of healing, blending energy work, psychology, and astrology.
Mother Who Practiced Astrology Was Troubled by Solar Eclipse
The woman had expressed concerns about the impending solar eclipse in an online post days prior. Known as "Ayoka" on platform X, she was considered an astrology influencer and a recording artist.
Despite her posts, law enforcement does not see the eclipse as a direct cause of the killings.
Johnson and her partner, 29-year-old Jaelen Allen Chaney, allegedly argued before the violence erupted. Johnson stabbed Chaney then fled with her children in a Porsche Cayenne, throwing them from the vehicle on Interstate 405 in Culver City.
The baby died on the road, while the older daughter, who witnessed the stabbing, survived with injuries. Johnson later crashed into a tree in Redondo Beach after driving over 100 miles per hour, with investigators examining whether it was a suicide.
Johnson's social media revealed a mix of astrological predictions, conspiracy theories, and positive affirmations. Her internet presence dates back years, with previous interviews highlighting her astrology expertise.
Her neighbors expressed shock at the tragedy, with no prior indications of violence in the household. Law enforcement discovered candles and a card inside the apartment, but they were unsure if they were tarot cards.
While the solar eclipse generated global apprehension, law enforcement emphasized that others who expressed similar concerns did not resort to violence.
