Local News
Man sentenced to prison in Venice Canals sex assaults, murder – NBC Los Angeles
A 30-year-old man was sentenced Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a murder and sexual assault in the Venice Canals neighborhood after a no-contest plea.
Anthony Francisco Jones pleaded no contest in the sexual assaults of two women on April 6, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced Friday. One of the attacks resulted in the death of a 53-year-old woman who was about to move to the Los Angeles County coastal community.
Jones pleaded no contest to one count of murder, two counts of forcible rape, one count of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of mayhem, one count of torture, and one count of sodomy by use of force. He also admitted to allegations of kidnapping, and that he inflicted great bodily injury on the victims, according to the district attorney’s office.
“Our prosecutors fought hard to serve justice today in response to Mr. Anthony Jones’ vile actions, including a brutal murder,” said LA County District Attorney George Gascón. “Our hearts go out to the victim, the survivor, their families, and the Venice community. The pain and loss experienced by these individuals and their loved ones is horrific, and we extend our deepest empathy and compassion to them during this incredibly difficult time.”
A memorial was held for one of the women who was brutally attacked and sexually assaulted by a man in the Venice Canals. Macy Jenkins reports for the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
The attacks occurred between 10:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. April 6, according to investigators. The women were alone in the Venice Canals area.
One of the women, a 53-year-old mother of two children who had just arrived in the area from Massachusetts, died 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 viciously attacked while walking near the Venice Canals is speaking out about the assault. Macy Jenkins reports for the 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 she hopes the suspect would go to prison for life. ““As far as he’s concerned I know that the law will take care of him. We’re not going to have to worry about him walking around the canals any time soon.”
Jones was arrested in San Diego in May.
Local News
Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles
The devastated family of Sarina Rodriguez who was killed after someone threw a rock through her car windshield is speaking out about the tragedy as the person responsible remains at large.
Rodriguez was driving with her boyfriend along Highway 138 near Highway 18 in Antelope Valley just after midnight on Oct. 8 when a large rock was thrown through her windshield, according to CHP. The rock struck and killed the 25-year-old driver.
“It happened right before I went into the turn. A car passed me never went into the turn, the rock was directly for the driver right above the cluster it broke the steering wheel ring,” recounted Franko Martinez, who was the passenger in the vehicle.
Martinez said he was able to steer the car to the shoulder but there was nothing he could do to help Rodriguez.
“All I can do is pray right now. It’s hard to sleep,” said Martinez.
CHP continues to investigate the tragedy and at least one other similar incident that happened two days before Rodriguez was killed, where a large rock was thrown at another car’s windshield.
“I didn’t get to say goodbye to her and I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her because I do. I did. I always will,” said Sylvia Perez, sister to Rodriguez.
The heartbroken family asks anyone on the road that day who may have seen something to come forward to help keep other drivers safe and bring justice to Rodriguez.
“There is a killer on this road and we have to find this person,” said Drew Harrity, uncle to Rodriguez. “There was a whole life behind this story that was cut short and a promising future that she had. I can promise you if anyone out there met her they would love her too. That’s who she was.”
Local News
7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles
7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies.
From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.
Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.
The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens.
“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.”
Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.
“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”
Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences.
In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches.
Local News
Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles
A group of women, representing 21 countries, have set a world skydiving record in Southern California skies.
The women, aging from 21 to 70, have been practicing these unique, snowflake-like formations for around a year.
At speeds over 120 mph, they jumped from four airplanes flying at 16,500 ft.
They had 60 seconds to link hands and create the first formation, release and build their second formation before letting go and opening their parachutes.
Beyond record setting, the women said it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what is possible when women come together.
“We are all sisters,” a skydiver said. “And it was just amazing to see how we supported each other.”
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