Anthony Francisco Jones, A Homeless Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Assault And Rape Of Two Women

Venice Canals: A homeless man has been condemned to life in jail for viciously attacking and raping two women in the Venice Canals earlier this year; one of the victims passed away from her injuries. Anthony Francisco Jones, 30, will be incarcerated for the remainder of his life without the chance of parole.

All About The Incident

On April 6, in the Los Angeles area of Venice Canals, Jones sexually attacked Sarah Alden, 53, and Mary Klein, 54. Alden passed away a few weeks after the incident due to her severe injuries, which led to the declaration of brain death and the final removal of life support. While this was going on, Klein had severe injuries to her face and chest; pictures taken from her hospital bed revealed her body was bloated and covered in bruises.

Anthony Francisco Jones Found Guilty

Security cameras that night saw Jones, who authorities said was homeless, strolling close to the canals while carrying a liquor bottle that investigators claimed was used in the attacks. A few days after a thorough search, he was taken into custody. In response to accusations of murder, coerced rape, and torturing the two victims, Jones entered a not guilty plea. According to investigator, he also acknowledged to specific accusations that he murdered Alden while raping the victims and abducted them. He was given a life sentence in addition to a further sentence of more than 107 years in state prison.

Statement Of One Of The Victims

Mary Klein, one of the victims, came forward just over a week after the attack, identifying herself and stating that she wanted to speak out for other women in the hopes that no one else would experience anything like this. The neighborhood along the sea has struggled with violent crime. Some of her loved ones were startled and horrified by what had happened again when the allegations were made public.