Venice canal rape: Murder suspect pleads no contest and accepts life sentence, LAPD detective says

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LOS ANGELES – Anthony Jones, the man at the center of the Venice canal rapes, pleaded no contest to all charges and accepted a life sentence for the murder and rape of 53-year-old Sarah Alden and the rape of 54-year-old Mary Klein, Los Angeles Police Department Detective Brent Hopkins tells FOX 11.

News of the verdict comes without the possibility of parole, LAPD Detective Hailey Winslow told FOX 11. He will serve two more consecutive sentences: 107 years to life and eight years in prison, the detective said.

Because of his “no contest,” which essentially means “guilty,” he loses his right to appeal.

“This is the best possible outcome for everyone, including Mr. Jones,” Hopkins told Winslow.

“We spend a lot of time focusing on the actions of this one bad guy who did something unspeakable,” Hopkins said. “But when you think about the overall story and how the community came together to support the victims, Mary and Sarah, rather than questioning the humanity, it actually reinforced my faith in the goodness of people. Seeing the Venice neighborhood look out for each other and support bringing Mr. Jones to justice reminded me that this is who we are as people.”

Mary read a passionate victim impact statement in court on Friday alongside Sarah's son and best friend.

Jones has a restitution hearing in November 2024. While he goes to prison, everyone else begins the reconstruction process.