Los Angeles Police take Grim Sleeper murder suspect into custody, culminating two decades of investigation NR10350an

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Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery Homicide Division, announce that  a man suspected of killing at least 10 young women in South Los Angeles, in a series of murders that spanned the years 1985 through 2007, was taken into custody today.

Lonnie David Franklin Jr., 57 (DOB 8-30-52), was taken into custody today by Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide detectives, culminating an exhaustive task force investigation that began more than three years ago.  Franklin, who was taken into custody at 9:20 a.m. in front of his home in South Los Angeles, is believed to be responsible for the killing of at least 10 young women over the past 22 years.  The District Attorney’s Office is expected to file  murder charges against Franklin later today.

Chief Charlie Beck said, “We never gave up on this investigation, not for one minute.  Our detectives worked relentlessly following up on every lead they received.  Their hard work has resulted in today’s apprehension of this vicious killer.  I am hopeful that the hard work of these men and women will bring some closure to the families who tragically lost loved ones during the last 23 years.”

A News Conference will be held tomorrow, Thursday July 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., in front of the Police Administrative Building, 100 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, Ca.  At that time the Los Angeles Police Department Command and Investigative personnel will describe the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Franklin.

WHAT:
News Conference
WHEN:
Thursday, July 8, 2010
11 a.m.

WHERE:
Los Angeles Police Administrative Building
100 West 1st Street
Los Angeles 90012

WHO:
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City of Los Angeles (Tentative)
LAPD Police of Chief Charlie Beck
LAPD Command and Investigative Personnel
Councilman Bernard Parks, District No. 8
Attorney General Jerry Brown, State of California
District Attorney Steve Cooley, City of Los Angeles

WHY:
The Los Angeles Police Department will describe the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Lonnie David Franklin Jr.

CONTACT:
For further information, contact the LAPD Media Relations Section at 213-486-5910.