In a shocking incident that has left the Los Angeles community reeling, two women were brutally assaulted in the Venice Canals neighborhood on April 6.
One of the victims, a 54-year-old single mother and medical caregiver, has now come forward to share her harrowing experience.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has confirmed the arrest of 29-year-old Anthony Francisco Jones in connection with the attacks. Jones faces multiple charges, including two counts of forcible rape, one count of sexual penetration by force, one count of mayhem, one count of torture, one count of attempted murder, and one count of sodomy by force.
Expressing his outrage at the horrific crimes, District Attorney George Gascn stated, "We are deeply outraged and appalled by these incomprehensible brutal sexual assaults committed against these two innocent survivors. Such despicable acts have no place in our society and will not be tolerated. Our office is fully committed to prosecuting the individual accountable for these crimes with the utmost vigor and ensuring that justice is served for the victims."
The attacks took place between 10 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on April 6, with both victims being women in their 40s and 50s walking alone in the Venice Canals area. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Jones allegedly approached both women from behind and struck them with hard objects.
Mary Klein, one of the victims, recounted her ordeal to FOX LA. Despite a grueling 12-hour workday, Klein was determined to achieve her goal of 10,000 steps when she was attacked. She revealed that the second victim, who is smaller in stature, is currently in a coma.
"My body is fine, but my mouth is kind of messed up. I was the first one he got, and Im six feet tall. [The other victim] might be smaller. Shes in a coma," Klein told FOX LA. She added that Jones "tried to kill" her and expressed relief at his arrest.
Klein also criticized the justice system, stating, "I think we need our justice system to start sticking up for people in this country. Were not being represented and were allowing criminals and mentally ill people on the street that are violent, and perpetrating violence on to people. Were not using our justice system thats set up to protect us."
Following the attack, Klein was hospitalized and is now facing facial reconstructive surgery. A GoFundMe page set up to support her recovery details the extent of her injuries, including at least eight fractures to her jaw, a large laceration to the back of her head, several missing teeth, and multiple contusions on her face and neck.
After the attacks, Jones fled the scene, leaving behind evidence, and traveled to San Diego. Despite having minor criminal charges in two other states, there were no indicators that Jones would commit such violent acts, according to police. He is currently being held on a $3.25 million bond.
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