Man sentenced to prison for sexual assault and murder in Venice canals – NBC Los Angeles

A 30-year-old man was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Friday for murder and sexual assault in the Venice Canals neighborhood after pleading guilty.

Anthony Francisco Jones pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting two women on April 6, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced Friday. One of the assaults resulted in the death of a 53-year-old woman who was about to move to the Los Angeles County coastal community.

Jones pleaded guilty to one count of murder, two counts of rape, one count of sexual penetration with use of force, one count of assault, one count of torture and one count of sodomy with use of force. He also admitted to kidnapping charges and inflicting serious bodily harm on the victims, prosecutors said.

“Our prosecutors fought hard today to bring justice in response to Mr. Anthony Jones' heinous actions, including a brutal murder,” said Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón. “Our deepest condolences go out to the victim, the survivors, their families, and the Venice community. The pain and loss these individuals and their loved ones have endured is horrific, and we extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to them during this incredibly difficult time.”

A memorial service was held for one of the women who was brutally attacked and sexually assaulted by a man in the canals of Venice. Macy Jenkins reports for NBC4 News on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 11 p.m.

According to investigators, the attacks occurred on April 6 between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The women were alone in the Venice canals area.

One of the women, a 53-year-old mother of two who had just arrived in the area from Massachusetts, died on May 20. She was in the process of moving to the Venice area.

Mary Klein, who was attacked an hour after the first assault, suffered a traumatic brain injury.

A woman who was brutally attacked while walking near the canals of Venice speaks out about the attack. Macy Jenkins reports for NBC4 News on April 12, 2024.

“I have about five plates and a bunch of screws in my face,” Klein, 54, told NBCLA in May, adding that she hoped the suspect would go to prison for life. “As for him, I know the law will take care of him. We don't have to worry about him running around the canals anytime soon.”

Jones was arrested in San Diego in May.