This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom 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.
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:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
