Change of defenders delays arraignment of suspect in LA’s ‘Grim Sleeper’ serial killings

Arraignment postponed in LA ‘Grim Sleeper’ case

LOS ANGELES — Arraignment has been delayed for a Los Angeles man accused of the “Grim Sleeper” serial killings.

Lonnie Franklin Jr. appeared in court Tuesday to answer to 10 counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, but there was a change of public defenders and his arraignment was continued.

Superior Court Judge Hilleri G. Merritt set Aug. 23 as the new date.

Franklin was arrested July 7 at his South Los Angeles home. Police say DNA evidence linked the 57-year-old former city employee to the killings, which spanned 22 years.

The “Grim Sleeper” nickname came about because of a 14-year gap in slayings linked to the same killer. The most recent case was in 2007.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The man accused of being the “Grim Sleeper” serial killer is due in a Los Angeles courtroom to face 10 counts of murder and one other charge of attempted murder.

Lonnie Franklin Jr., a 57-year-old car mechanic from South Los Angeles, is due in court Tuesday for arraignment. He was arrested July 7 after DNA evidence linked him to the killings, which spanned 22 years.

His attorney has said she expects Franklin to enter a not guilty plea.

The “Grim Sleeper” nickname came about because of a 14-year gap in a string of slayings of young black women. The most recent case was in 2007.

Franklin is also suspected in the death of a man.