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VENICE, LOS ANGLES (KABC) — A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder and sexual assault of a woman and the sexual assault of another woman near the Venice canals, prosecutors said Friday.
“Our prosecutors fought hard to bring justice today in response to Mr. Anthony Jones’ actions, including a brutal murder,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Gascón said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to the victim, the survivor, their families and the Venice community.”
Anthony Francisco Jones pleaded not guilty and was sentenced by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cathryn F. Brougham to life in prison plus 107 years to life in state prison, plus 8 years in state prison.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to one count of murder, two counts of forcible rape, one count of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of violence, one count of torture and one count of sodomy by use of force.
Jones also admitted to allegations that the defendant kidnapped the victims, committed crimes against more than one victim, and inflicted great bodily injury on the victims, the district attorney’s office said in a news release. He also admitted that the murder of one of the victims occurred while he was committing the crimes of rape and sodomy.
Anthony Jones, 29, was taken into custody late Thursday night in San Diego, LAPD Cmdr. Steve Lurie said at a news conference. According to jail records, he’s being held in lieu of $3.25 million bail.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the professionals in our Sex Crimes Division and the investigative officers of the Los Angeles Police Department. Their tireless efforts and commitment to justice have been instrumental in holding the offender accountable and bringing justice to the victims,” Gascón said.
Officers responded about 10:30 p.m. April 6 to the 2700 block of Strongs Drive after receiving a report that a woman had been attacked from behind and hit with a blunt object, rendering her unconscious, authorities said. The suspect similarly attacked another woman about an hour later as she walked near the Sherman Canal.
Los Angeles police continue to search for a suspect after two women were brutally attacked near the Venice Canals over the weekend.
Jones was arrested April 11 in San Diego, according to Los Angeles police. One of the victims died from her injuries on May 20.
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