‘Grim Sleeper’ faces death penalty after being found guilty of 10 murders

A serial killer dubbed the Grim Sleeper has been found guilty of murdering 10 women over two decades. Lonnie Franklin Jr showed no emotion as he was convicted by a Los Angeles jury following a two-month trial. The 63-year-old, who could face the death penalty, was also found guilty on one count of attempted murder. He denied the killings saying they were carried out by a jealous “mystery nephew” but his fanciful defence was dismissed by the jury. He will return to court on May 12 to be sentenced.

We got him. It took a long time. By the grace of God it happened. It’s such a relief

Porter Alexander Jr., whose daughter Alicia, 18, was killed in 1988

The former trash collector was accused of shooting or strangling nine women and a 15-year-old girl between 1985 and 2007. All of the victims were found dumped in alleys and rubbish bins in South Los Angeles. Some were prostitutes and most had traces of cocaine in their systems. The killer was dubbed the Grim Sleeper because of an apparent 14-year gap after one woman survived an attack in 1988. However, police also say Franklin has been linked to six deaths during the gap years since his indictment in March 2011.

I wanted to remember the sweet little girl who had her whole life in front of her. She had a heart of gold and she deserved to live a full life.

Samara Herard, sister of the youngest victim, Princess Berthomieux

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