Joseph Griffin, 47, was shot in the head on September 13, 1986, in Los Angeles and survived until October 5, 1986, when he died of his injuries. His death was one of several violent attacks during a brief spree in early September–October 1986 that targeted vulnerable people, often homeless men, in the Skid Row area.

Investigators linked the killings to a suspect known as the Skid Row Slayer, identified as Michael Player, who also used the alias Marcus Nisby. Ballistic evidence and witness statements connected Player to multiple victims; Player died by suicide on October 10, 1986. The investigation into the spree was closed in February 1987 after Player was identified.

Griffin’s death remains a reminder of how exposed marginalized people were during that period. If anyone knew Joseph Griffin or has information about his life or those nights in Skid Row, please share what you know.