Prosecutors are calling the brutal sexual assaults of two women in Venice one of the worst cases they have ever seen and are pursuing life in prison for the suspect, identified as Anthony Francisco Jones.
Jones is being charged with two counts of forcible rape, one count of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of mayhem, one count of torture, one count of attempted murder, and one count of sodomy by use of force following his arrest last week.
The charges stem from two horrific attacks on April 6 where two women were clubbed unconscious while walking alone in the Venice canals and then assaulted. One victim regained consciousness during her assault only to have Jones kick her in the head and stand on her throat. That woman was released from hospital but the second victim remains comatose according to officials.
“If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum of life in prison,” said District Attorney George Gascón at a press conference on Monday. “I want to express my deepest condolences to both of the victims and their families for their suffering. We are going to make sure that justice is done not only for them, but for our community. So I mentioned before this was probably some of the most heinous sexual assaults that I’ve ever seen. The level of brutality that was engaged in was very reprehensible.”
Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said the suspect had no criminal history in Los Angeles County and that she supported prosecuting sexual predators to the fullest extent of the law.
“Let me be unequivocally clear. Sexual assault and sex crimes in any form are abhorrent and intolerable. As a community we must stand united in our condemnation of such despicable behavior and in our determination to hold perpetrators accountable for their heinous, violent actions,” she said.
Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi said the investigation and subsequent arrest of Jones in San Diego was made possible by evidence, including video, provided by the Venice community.
“I’m proud of the hard work and commitment to public safety demonstrated by officers and specialized detectives throughout this investigation,” he said. “Their efforts have not only led to the apprehension of a dangerous criminal, but have also played a significant role in restoring the sense of security and peace in the Venice community.”
Officials all expressed deep sympathy for the victims promising to provide them with the support and services they would need.
“Our hearts go out to the survivors of these egregious acts, whose lives have been forever altered by the trauma they endured,” said Horvath.
Officials said they were unsure of Jones’ housing status on Monday nor did they know how long or why he was in Southern California. They said he was originally from Oklahoma and while he had some petty criminal history in other states, there was nothing in his background to foreshadow the types of crimes he is accused of here.
“There are some minor criminal violations outside of California, I think in two states, particularly, but nothing that would if you would pre alert law enforcement to this person being capable of this type of criminal conduct, just egregious, egregious heinous behavior,” said Choi. “There were no indicators that would lead us to believe that this is somebody we need to watch.”
Anyone with information regarding the attacks or additional victims who want to come forward was urged to contact LAPD Special Assault detectives at 213-473-0447. Calls during non-business hours and weekends should be directed to 877-527-3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.