A homeless man who violently attacked and raped two women in the Venice Canals earlier this year, one of whom later died from her injuries, has been sentenced to life in prison.
On Friday, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Anthony Francisco Jones, 30, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Jones sexually assaulted 53-year-old Sarah Alden and 54-year-old Mary Klein in separate attacks on April 6 in the Venice Canals neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Alden’s injuries were so severe that she was declared brain dead and was eventually taken off of life support and died weeks after the attack.
Klein, meanwhile, suffered traumatic injuries to her face and chest with photos from her hospital bed showing her bruised and swollen body.
Jones, who officials said was homeless, was captured on security cameras walking near the canals that night holding a liquor bottle that investigators said was used in the attacks. He was arrested days later after an intense search.
Jones pleaded no contest to charges that included murder, forcible rape and torture of the two victims. He also admitted to special allegations that he kidnapped the victims and killed Alden while committing rape, Gascón said.
In addition to his life sentence, he also received an additional sentence of more than 100 additional years in state prison.
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Anthony Jones is seen walking around the Venice Canals area on April 6, 2024, on the evening he raped and beat two women who were out on evening walks. -
Anthony Jones is seen walking around the Venice Canals area on April 6, 2024, on the evening he raped and beat two women who were out on evening walks.
Gascón called the attacks “vile” and “brutal,” and said his office worked hard to pursue justice for those affected by the crimes.
“Our hearts go out to the victim, the survivor, their families, and the Venice community. The pain and loss experienced by these individuals and their loved ones is horrific, and we extend our deepest empathy and compassion to them during this incredibly difficult time,” Gascón said.
The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.