Anthony Jones pleaded no contest to the sexual assault of two women in the Venice Canals neighborhood on April 6, resulting in the death of one woman. 

September 14, 2024 – LOS ANGELES, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón on Friday announced that Anthony Francisco Jones was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder and sexual assault of one woman and the sexual assault of another woman in the Venice Canals neighborhood on April 6.

"Our prosecutors fought hard to serve justice today in response to Mr. Anthony Jones’ vile actions, including a brutal murder. 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,” District Attorney Gascón said.

For these heinous crimes, Jones pleaded no contest and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 107 years to life in state prison, plus 8 years state prison determinate by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cathryn F. Brougham.

Anthony Francisco Jones (30) 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.

Jones also admitted to allegations that the defendant kidnapped the victims, committed offenses against more than one victim, and that he inflicted great bodily injury on the victims. He also admitted that the murder of one of the victims occurred while he was engaged in the commission of rape and sodomy.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the dedicated professionals in our Sex Crimes Division and the investigating officers from the Los Angeles Police Department. Their tireless efforts and commitment to justice have been instrumental in holding the offender accountable and providing a measure of justice for the victims,” DA Gascón said. “We stand united in our resolve to protect our communities and ensure that such egregious acts are met with the full force of the law."

On April 6 between 10:30-11:30 p.m., Jones physically attacked and sexually assaulted two female victims, both in their mid-40s and mid-50s, as they each were alone outside in the Venice Canal neighborhood. One of the victims succumbed to her injuries on May 20.

The case was prosecuted by LADA’s Sex Crimes Division and investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney