Kenneth Love II, 59, was shot and killed on June 2, 2020, while working as a security guard at a marijuana dispensary in the 8700 block of Troy Street in Spring Valley, California. The killing was linked by investigators to an extortion scheme aimed at illegal marijuana dispensaries, in which perpetrators used threats and violence to force payments from business owners.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department investigators and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force conducted a lengthy probe that included multiple search warrants, recovery of firearms and the release of surveillance footage and community fliers. In June 2021 three men were arrested and charged in connection with Love’s murder: Daveon Dajuan Hicks Sr., Curry James Williams Jr., and Jamal Johnson. Two others, Adrian Kasey Batten and Jester Ramos, faced charges tied to the extortion plot. All defendants pleaded not guilty and legal proceedings were ongoing at that time.

Anyone who knew Kenneth Love II or has information about the extortion ring or the shooting is asked to come forward.