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.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
'Grim Sleeper' suspect pleads not guilty
Listen
0:55
'Grim Sleeper' suspect pleads not guilty
'Grim Sleeper' suspect pleads not guilty
The South Los Angeles auto mechanic charged in the “Grim Sleeper” killings pleaded “not guilty” Monday to 10 murder charges and a charge of attempted murder at a Superior Court hearing in downtown L.A.
The “not guilty” pleas were entered not by 57-year-old Lonnie Franklin, Jr. — but by his attorney. Franklin spoke only in response to a handful of procedural questions. He wore an orange jail jumpsuit with his hands shackled to his waist.
The “Grim Sleeper” murders began in the 1980s — and resumed a few years ago. Prosecutors say detectives with the LAPD’s “cold case” unit used “familial DNA” to link Franklin to the killings. They say DNA collected at one of the murders was a close match to that of Franklin’s son; his DNA was on file after an arrest.
It led detectives to Franklin, who police took into custody last month. After the arraignment, defense attorney Louisa Pensanti said the prosecution has handed over 8,000 pages of documents to her legal team. She said the evidence is not “cut and dried.”
Franklin will be back in court in three weeks for another hearing. Prosecutors haven’t said whether they’ll seek the death penalty.
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
