With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
Lonnie Franklin Jr., Convicted ‘Grim Sleeper’ Serial Killer, Dies In Prison
Lonnie Franklin Jr., a convicted serial killer known as the "Grim Sleeper," listens to emotional statements from family members of his victims before being sentenced in Los Angeles Superior Court, Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2016. Al Seib/Los Angeles Times via AP
Lonnie Franklin Jr., the convicted serial murderer known as the “Grim Sleeper,” died in prison Saturday.
The 67-year-old was found unresponsive in his single cell on death row at San Quentin State Prison.
“Medical assistance was rendered and an ambulance was summoned. Franklin was pronounced deceased at 7:43 p.m.,” state prison officials said in a statement.
An autopsy is pending to determine the cause, but officials said there were no signs of trauma.
Sponsored message
In 2016, Franklin was found guilty of killing nine women and one teenage girl in South Los Angeles between 1985 and 2007. Authorities believe he murdered at least five other women.
He was sentenced to death and arrived on death row in August 2016.
MORE ON THE ‘GRIM SLEEPER’ CASE:
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
