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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.
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Frank Stoltze/KPCC
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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.
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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."
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.
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