Los Angeles, California – A 29-year-old man is facing multiple charges of forcible rape and one count of attempted murder after two women were brutally attacked near the Venice canals earlier this month. The Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón revealed these charges during a press conference on Monday.
Anthony Jones, 29, was apprehended in San Diego last week after being identified as a suspect in the violent assaults. He was transported back to Los Angeles and taken into custody. Gascón expressed shock over the severity of the sexual assaults, describing them as some of the most heinous he has ever encountered.
In addition to the charges of forcible rape and attempted murder, Jones is also facing allegations of sexual penetration by force, sodomy by force, mayhem, and torture. If found guilty, he could potentially receive a life sentence in prison.
One of the victims, speaking from her hospital bed to KTLA-TV Channel 5, described the attack as feeling like being hit by a truck. She recounted that she was simply walking when the assault occurred, catching her completely off guard. The woman, who sustained multiple injuries including fractures to her jaw and head lacerations, declined to be identified.
The first incident took place on April 6 around 10:30 p.m. on Strongs Drive, where a woman was attacked from behind and rendered unconscious by a blow from a hard object. About an hour later near the Sherman Canal, another woman fell victim to a similar assault. Authorities believe that Jones is responsible for both attacks.
City Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Venice, expressed her deep sorrow and sympathy for the victims and their families, emphasizing the pain and devastation they must be enduring. One of the victims had previously shared with authorities that she had been out walking that night to achieve her daily step goal, unaware of any potential danger in the area.
Following the traumatic incidents, the community has been urged to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure their safety. The repercussions of these attacks continue to reverberate, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention efforts in the face of such senseless violence.