One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership 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 Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
LAPD releases photos of possible 'Grim Sleeper' victims, asking public for help
The LAPD is asking for the public's help in identifying photos found at the home of alleged 'Grim Sleeper' serial murderer Lonnie David Franklin Jr. He's been charged with 10 murders. Police believe there may be more victims.
(
Frank Stoltze/KPCC
)
Los Angeles Police Thursday released more than 180 photos of mostly African American women who may have been victims of the “Grim Sleeper” serial murderer.
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said detectives found the photos at the South Los Angeles home of Lonnie David Franklin Jr. after arresting him in June for 10 murders dating back to 1985.
Police believe he probably killed more people.
“We certainly do not believe that we are so lucky or so good as to know all of his victims. We need the public’s help,” Beck said.
The chief asked people to go the LAPD’s website where the photos are posted. Police also displayed them on three giant cardboard sheets during a news conference. Most were head shots. Many were smiling.
Can you help the LAPD put names to these faces? Call 1-877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
“People must remember these photos go back 20 and 30 years. People will have changed their appearance, people will have aged,” the chief said. “We’re very interested in identifying these individuals and speaking with them if at all possible.”
Detectives are particularly curious about Franklin’s activities during a 14-year period starting in the late 1980s. They’ve not identified any victims during that period, but fear he never stopped his murder spree. The apparent gap in killing earned him the moniker "Grim Sleeper."
Sponsored message
As police released the photographs, Detective Dennis Kilcoyne said he is hoping for the best.
“Our best wish is that we get a phone call from each and every one of them that everything is OK,” Kilcoyne said.
Later, the man who has led the investigation said he expected more victims. He wouldn’t say how many more.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
