Lonnie David Franklin Jr

Gregg Reese  |   OW Staff Writer
Dec 29 2011

Still sifting through evidence

Lonnie David Franklin Jr., dubbed the ‘Grim Sleeper’ is still in custody for the killing several of African American women, particularly prostitutes between 1985 and 1988 and between 2002 and 2007. But police suspect he may have committed more murders during his 14-month supposed hiatus.

Gregg Reese  |   OW Staff Writer
Nov 3 2011

Alleged predators Franklin and Hughes linked to additional slayings

In the latest developments involving accused “Grim Sleeper” suspect Lonnie David Franklin Jr., six additional murders have been attributed to the defendant, bringing the total number of alleged killings committed between 1985 and 2007 to 16.

These additional victims were linked via a combination of forensic research, specifically DNA, and circumstantial evidence.

Aug 9 2011

Missing persons, unsolved killings

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—LAPD detectives have significantly widened the number of cases they are reviewing as they search for more victims of the Grim Sleeper serial killer, it was reported today.

Detectives are now looking at 230 missing persons cases and unsolved killings going back to the mid-1970s, seeing whether there are any links to Grim Sleeper suspect Lonnie David Franklin Jr., who has been charged in 10 killings, the Los Angeles Times reported on its website this morning.

Aug 1 2011

Lonnie Franklin Jr.

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the man suspected in the “Grim Sleeper” serial killings, a deputy district attorney announced today.

A jury will be asked to recommend a death sentence for 58-year-old Lonnie Franklin Jr. if he is convicted, Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said. Franklin has been indicted on 10 counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

Franklin, a one-time city employee, has been locked up since his July 7, 2010, arrest.

Gregg Reese  |   OW Staff Writer
Apr 14 2011

More women may be victims

In the latest installment of the Grim Sleeper investigation, detectives are working to confirm eight additional fatalities whose deaths share significant characteristics with the 10 already attributed to the killer. Like the other unfortunates, the newly added victims apparently led troubled lives.

Rolenia Morris, 29, was added to the list after her Nevada driver license was found among paraphernalia confiscated in the home of accused defendant Lonnie David Franklin Jr., along with a series of photographs allegedly showing her in sexually explicit poses.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.
California
Yvette Hollingsworth was recently named chief compliance officer for Wells Fargo & Co. Hollingsworth, who most recently served as managing director and global head of operations compliance and financial crimes compliance & risk management for Barclays Corporate & Investment Bank, will begin her new role on June 1, 2012. Hollingsworth will be based in San Francisco, and will report to Caryl Athanasiu, executive vice president and chief operational risk officer in the corporate risk group. As chief compliance officer, Hollingsworth will be responsible for ensuring that all areas of the company meet compliance management responsibilities and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. Her team will continue to provide independent oversight of business-based compliance management activities.
District of Columbia
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm Los Angeles attorney Paul Watford to serve on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals: “It is great news that the Senate has confirmed Paul Watford, an exceptionally talented attorney, to serve on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He has a breadth of experience as a former prosecutor and a top appellate litigator and will make an excellent addition to the federal bench. However, I am very disappointed that more of my Republican colleagues did not join us in backing this highly qualified nominee.” When Watford is sworn in, he will be only the second African American serving on the Ninth Circuit.