The second victim in the brutal Venice Canal attacks was declared brain dead on Monday afternoon, according to close family friends. The out-of-state mother of two adult children had recently been transferred from Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center to a facility in Van Nuys after spending nearly six weeks at the hospital’s Neurocritical Care Center. The woman had been visiting from Massachusetts when she was violently attacked while walking back to her Airbnb on the evening of April 6.
The first victim, Mary Klein, was released from St. John’s Health Center on May 6th after suffering from seizures. Due to her medical condition, Klein will not be able to return to work for three more months as she continues to heal after having the wires removed from her jaw.
Anthony Francisco Jones, 29, was arrested in San Diego on April 11 and booked at the Los Angeles Police Department-West Bureau on April 12, in connection with the assault of the two women. Jones was charged with two counts of forcible rape, one count each of sexual penetration by use of force, one count of sodomy by use of force, one count of mayhem, one count of torture and one count of attempted murder.
During his arraignment and plea at the Airport Courthouse on April 15, Jones pleaded not guilty to all counts. Following the proceeding, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said Jones had committed two of the “most heinous sexual assaults” he’s ever seen, with one of the victims being nearly beaten to death before she was sexually assaulted.
According to authorities, Jones doesn’t appear to have a criminal record in LA County, however his background, including his legal status is unclear. Jones is being held on $3.25 million bail and will return to court on June 11.
+ + + UPDATE + + +
In response to the news regarding the Venice Canals attack victim’s condition, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park released the following statement:
“I am devastated to receive this news about the victim in the horrific Venice Canals attack. My prayers are with her family in this moment of loss and I want to extend my condolences on behalf of the entire Venice and Westside communities. While nothing can reverse this terrible tragedy, I hope the family is able to feel solace knowing that the perpetrator of this crime has been apprehended and justice will be served.”
Sandra Clark, Westside Current