UPDATE: Summary page of all witnesses who testified in the guilt phase of the trial.
Update: On June 6, 2016 The jury voted unanimously for the death penalty on 11 counts. Franklin is tentatively scheduled to be sentenced on August 10, 2016.
Update: On May 5, 2016, Franklin was convicted of first degree murder in the deaths of Debra Jackson, 29, Henrietta Wright, 34, Barbara Ware, 23, Bernita Sparks, 26, Mary Lowe, 26, Lachrica Jefferson, 22, Alice Alexander, 18, Princess Berthomieux, 15, Valerie McCorvey, 35, and Janecia Peters, 25. Of the nine victims that were shot, the jury found true the special circumstance of using a firearm. Franklin was convicted of attempted murder of Enietra Washington, 30. Jurors found true the special circumstance of a willful, deliberate, premeditated act. Jurors also found true the special circumstance of multiple murders. Franklin is facing the death penalty. Jurors will return on May 12, 2016 for opening arguments in the guilt phase of the trial.
LONNIE FRANKLIN, JR.
CASE No: BA382700
Defendant: Lonnie David Franklin, Jr., in custody
DOB: 8/30/52
LASD Booking #: 2394548
About The Defendant
Franklin is married with two children. In the 1980's, he was a sanitation worker for the City of Los Angeles and also worked as a mechanic for the LAPD. He was well known around his neighborhood. Franklin was a scrapper, collecting junk and selling it.
Franklin was linked to the murders through a familial DNA match. Franklin's son Christopher was convicted on a felony weapons charge. His DNA was entered into the CODIS system and compared with the DNA found on the victims. In April 2010, a potential familial match was discovered.
Defense: Seymour I. Amster (lead counsel-guilt phase)
Dale Atherton (co-counsel)
Kristen Gozawa (hire by Amster)
Prior defense counsel: Louisa Pensanti - disbarred (removed 11/16/15)
Prosecution:
DDA Beth Silverman
DDA Marguerite Rizzo
Assistants:
DDA Paul Przelomiec
DDA Jamie Castro
Judge: Honorable Kathleen Kennedy
Charges: 10 counts of 187 felony murder; 1 count of attempted murder. Victim Thomas Steele is not included in the DA's charges. Media reports indicate law enforcement believes there are at least five other victims, not charged.
Victims:
From Wikipedia, list of Franklin's known victims in chronological order of attack:
| Number | Name | Sex | Age | Body found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Debra Jackson | F | 29 | August 10, 1985 |
| 2 | Henrietta Wright | F | 34 | August 12, 1986 |
| 3 | Thomas Steele ‡ | M | 36 | August 14, 1986 |
| 4 | Barbara Ware | F | 23 | January 10, 1987 |
| 5 | Bernita Sparks | F | 26 | April 15, 1987 |
| 6 | Mary Lowe | F | 26 | November 1, 1987 |
| 7 | Lachrica Jefferson | F | 22 | January 30, 1988 |
| 8 | Alice Monique Alexander | F | 18 | September 11, 1988 |
| 9 | Enietra "Margette" Washington‡‡ | F | 30 | Survived |
| 10 | Princess Berthomieux | F | 15 | March 19, 2002 |
| 11 | Valerie McCorvey | F | 35 | July 11, 2003 |
| 12 | Janecia Peters | F | 25 | January 1, 2007 |
‡‡ Enietra "Margette" was told to use her middle name as her last name for her protection, but has since come forward as Enietra Margette Washington. Attacked on November 19, 1988, she is the only known survivor.
OTHER VICTIMS/CRIMES - PRESENTED IN PENALTY PHASE
1. 04/17/74 17 year old German woman kidnapped and raped in Stuttgart, Germany - Survived
2. 01/15/84 Sharon Dismuke - murdered
3. 10/18/88 Inez Warren - murdered
4. 12/28/00 Georgia Mae Thomas - murdered
5. 09/10/05 Rolenia Morris - disappeared, presumed dead
WITNESSES WHO TESTIFIED IN PENALTY PHASE
WITNESSES WHO TESTIFIED IN GUILT PHASE [incomplete]
T&T TRIAL COVERAGE
02/16/16 Opening Statements [Day 11 of trial]
02/16/16 Opening Statements Part II
02/17/16 Lonnie Franklin Trial, Day 12
02/17/16 Lonnie Franklin Trial, Day 12, Part II
02/18/16 Lonnie Franklin Trial, Day 13 Part I
02/18/16 Lonnie Franklin Trial, Day 13, Part II
02/19/16 Lonnie Franklin Trial, Day 14
04/18-22/16 Evidentiary Hearing - Coming Soon
04/25-29/16 Last Defense Witness - Coming Soon
04/29/16 Lonnie Franklin, Jr., "Grim Sleeper" Update
05/02/16 Closing Arguments, Day One, Part I
05/02/15 Closing Arguments Day One, Part II
05/02/15 Closing Arguments, Day One, Part III
05/03/15 Closing Arguments, Day Two, Part I
05/03/15 Closing Arguments, Day Two, Part II NEW!
05/03/16 Jury Deliberations Start Tomorrow
05/04/16 Verdict Watch - Day 2
05/05/16 Verdict Watch - Day 2 - VERDICTS
05/11/16 Motions Hearing Before Penalty Phase
05/12/16 Day 1, Penalty Phase, Opening and Victim Impact Statements
05/13/16 Day 2, Penalty Phase, Victim Impact Statements
05/16/16 Day 3, Part I, Penalty Phase, Evidence of Other Crimes
05/16/16 Day 3, Part II, Penalty Phase, Evidence of Other Crimes
05/17/16 Day 4, Penalty Phase, Evidence of Other Crimes
05/19/16 Penalty Phase Update
05/18/16 Day 5, Penalty Phase, Victim Impact & Ballistics
05/19/16 Day 6, Penalty Phase, Victim Impact Statements
05/20/16 Day 7, Penalty Phase, Victim Impact Statements
05/25/16 Day 8, Penalty Phase, Evidentiary Hearings, Motions
05/27/16 Day 9, Part I Penalty Phase, Evid. Other Crimes
05/27/16 Day 9, Part II Penalty Phase Victim Impact Stmts
05/31/16 Day 10, Penalty Phase, Defense Case - coming soon
06/02/16 Day 11, Penalty Phase, Prosecution Closings- coming soon
06/03/16 Day 12, Penalty Phase, Defense Closing - coming soon
06/03/16 Lonnie Franklin Penalty Phase Update/Recap
06/03/16 Verdict Watch -Day 1
06/06/16 Verdict Watch Day 2 - VERDICT!!
08/10/16 Franklin Sentencing Today NEW!
T&T PRETRIAL COVERAGE
2011-2013
03/24/11 Indictment of "Grim Sleeper" Serial Killer Unsealed
07/11/12 Going to Court: Gerhart Becker, Kelly Soo Park, Lonnie Franklin, Jr.
08/30/12 Lonnie Franklin, Jr.: Pre-trial Hearing 2
10/24/12 Kelly Soo Park Pretrial 8; Lonnie Franklin, Jr., Pretrial 3
09/25/13 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. (4) & Other New Pretrial Hearings
2015
06/09/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr., Pretrial Hearing 5
07/23/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. Trial Update
08/31/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr, Pretrial Hearing 6
09/09/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr, Pretrial Hearing 7
09/14/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. Pretrial Hearing 8
09/18/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. Pretrial Hearing 9
09/24/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. Pretrial Hearing 10
10/13/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. Pretrial Hearing 11
11/09/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. Pretrial Hearing 12
12/14/15 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. Update
2016
01/05/16 Lonnie Franklin, Jr, Pretrial Hearing 13
01/12/16 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. Update II
01/25/16 Lonnie Franklin, Jr. Jury Pre-Selection Process Continues
02/12/16 Lonnie Franklin: Hearings from 11/16/15 to 12/14/15
02/15/16 Lonnie Franklin Hearings from 1/14/ to 2/11/16
02/16/16 Opening Statements in Grim Sleeper Trial Start Today
DOCUMENTS
The Charges Against Franklin
Victim List
MAINSTREAM MEDIA NEWS REPORTS
LA TIMES
07/10/10 Grim Sleeper Suspect Stayed Below LAPD's Radar
01/07/14 Judge Allows DNA Evidence Collected at Restaurant
12/14/14 Defense: DNA in Some Cases Points to Another Suspect
05/01/15 Defense: Another Serial Killer Linked to Two Victims
05/22/15 Trial Delayed in Grim Sleeper Murder Case
09/18/15 Grim Sleeper Murder Case Delayed Again
11/09/15 Grim Sleeper Defense Backtracks
2016 Reporter Stephen Ceaser's Trial Coverage
02/16/16 Grim Sleeper Serial Killer Trial Begins
02/17/16 Grim Sleeper Trial Continues
02/17/16 Trial Continues With LA County Coroner
02/17/16 ME Describes Victims Wounds
02/18/16 Medical Examiner Defends Analysis of Autopsy Reports
02/18/16 Defense Grills LA Co Coroner
02/23/16 Defense Questions Crime Lab Evidence
02/24/16 Defense Attempts to Discredit DNA Evidence
02/25/16 Lone Survivor Recounts Her Ordeal
03/01/16 Surgeon Recounts Efforts to Save Sole Survivor
03/02/16 Youngest Victim Found Dumped in an Alley
03/03/16 Last Victim Found Inside A Dumpster
03/04/16 How a "Pizzeria" Bussboy Led to Defendant's Arrest
03/08/16 Weapon in Case Found in Defendant's Dresser
03/09/16 Bullets in 7 Victims Came From Same Gun
03/10/16 LAPD Ballistics Expert Defends His Work on Case
03/15/16 Jurors Watch Detectives First Interview with Defendant
03/16/16 Family Members Identify Victims Before Prosecution Rests
03/21/16 Defense Opens Challenging DNA & Ballistics Evidence
03/22/16 Sketch Artist Details '88 Interview W/Lone Survivor
03/24/16 Unidentified DNA Found on Grim Sleeper Victim
03/29/16 DNA Found Under Another Victim Belonged to Unknown Man
04/28/16 Expert Witnesses Spar Over Ballistics Evidence
05/02/16 Ten Young Women, All of Them Cruelly Murdered by That Man
05/03/16 Grim Sleeper Trial Comes to a Close
05/03/16 Defense Suggests Relative Could be the Killer
05/05/16 Grim Sleeper now one of CA's prolific killers
05/05/16 Grim Sleeper Verdicts Bring Justice to Forgotten Victims
05/05/16 Jurors Reach A Verdict in South L.A. Slayings
05/05/16 Grim Sleeper Victims were young, vulnerable
05/08/16 LAPD Believes Grim Sleeper Never Really Slept
LA Times Archive
LA Times Grim Sleeper Photos (links at bottom of initial link)
LA Times Grim Sleeper Archive
LAPD To Publish Unidentified Grim Sleeper Photos on Twitter, Facebook
LA Times Homicide Report- Grim Sleeper Killings
PEOPLE MAGAZINE
05/28/15 LAPD Working to Identify Possible 35 Victims
08/18/15 Repeated Trial Delays Frustrate Families
09/22/15 Defense Says Another Killer Linked to 2 Attacks
02/16/16 Grim Sleeper Showed No Remorse
02/24/16 My Hunt for a Serial Killer
02/26/16 Grim Sleeper Survivor Describes Brutal Attack
03/16/16 Prosecution Rests in Trial of Grim Sleepe
03/16/16 Jurors Watch Interrogation Video
03/22/16 Defense Attacks DNA Evidence
LA WEEKLY Coverage
03/14/14 Grim Sleeper Ringmaster at His Own Trial
08/17/15 Grim Sleeper Trial Delayed Again
02/05/16 As Trial Nears, Police Can't Find 25 Women
02/16/16 Grim Sleeper Trial Not Going to be Fun to Watch
LA WEEKLY - Christine Pelisek's original article
LA WEEKLY - A Summary of Victims
LA Weekly Grim Sleeper Archive
OTHER MEDIA
Courthouse News Archive - Grim Sleeper
07/12/10 Science.org Scientists Explain How Familial DNA Tests Nabbed Killer
01/27/11 ABCNews10 - LA Police Reveal 2 New 'Grim Sleeper' Cases
02/06/15 KTLA - Families Push for Trial to Begin
04/10/15 FilmComment - Interview with Nick Broomfield
04/27/15 LAist Interviews HBO Doc. Director Broomfield
CNN LAPD Uses Social Media to get ID Help on Grim Sleeper photo images
DAILY BEAST Grim Sleeper Archive
DAILY BEAST More Potential Victims Linked to Grim Sleeper
DAILY BEAST More Bodies Linked: Tally now Sixteen
02/16/16 AP - Opening Statements set in long awaited Grim Sleeper trial
02/16/16 CNN - Grim Sleeper Case Trial Starts
02/16/16 ABC - Trial Begins for 'Grim Sleeper' Serial Killer
02/16/16 KTLA - Lonnie Franklin Jr., Accused Serial Killer
02/16/16/ NBC - Suspected Serial Killer Grim Sleeper
02/16/16 CBS- Graphic Photos Begin Serial Killer Trial
03/21/16 DailyNews - Plenty of Shouting in Grim Sleeper Trial
05/05/16 CNN - Los Angeles Jury Convicts Grim Sleeper
05/05/16 ABC7 - We Got Him, Victim's Father Says
05/05/16 NBC - Grim Sleeper Verdict
WEBSITES
Grim Sleeper Website - Based in England
Grim Sleeper Website Timeline
Grim Sleeper Website Master Map
Grim Sleeper @ Wikipedia
HBO - (Documentary) Tales of the Grim Sleeper
LIFETIME - (Movie) The Grim Sleeper
Posts
2 comments:
Lonnie Franklin Jr. turned 60 on Aug. 30. He was almost 58 when he was arrested in July of 2010. How is it that this case has taken two years so far and has still not gone to trial?
I believe that he is a pawn in the game. The LAPD needed to arrest someone and they found someone who fit the bill. The killer has pock marks on his face across both cheeks. Franklin's face does not have pock marks, he is too old, too short and was not "handsome" as described by Ms. Washington, the only known survivor who was shot and left for dead in Nov. 1988. She is also the one who has described her attacker as having pockmarks across both cheeks as seen in the composite drawings.
He's no angel, but he's not the killer yet he is being referred to as the killer everywhere before the trial has even begun.
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