LA man suspected of ‘Grim Sleeper’ slayings gets pro bono lawyer; arraignment delayed again

Lawyer agrees to work ‘Grim Sleeper’ case for free

LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles man suspected of the “Grim Sleeper” slayings of 10 women has a new attorney who says she will work for free.

Lonnie Franklin Jr. appeared in court Monday with his new attorney and had his arraignment rescheduled for Aug. 23. His lawyer, Louisa Pensanti, says she will work pro bono and has experience handling multiple murder cases.

Franklin is charged with 10 counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He was arrested in July after authorities said DNA evidence linked the mechanic to the series of killings.

The slayings occurred from 1985 to 1988, and again from 2002 to 2007. The 14-year pause led to the killer’s nickname of the “Grim Sleeper.”

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

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A South Los Angeles man accused of being the so-called “Grim Sleeper” who killed 10 women is set to be arraigned.

Lonnie Franklin Jr. is due in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday morning to answer to counts of murder and attempted murder. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Franklin was arrested in July after authorities said DNA evidence linked the local mechanic to a series of killings that took place from 1985 to 1988, and again from 2002 to 2007. The 14-year pause led to the killer’s nickname of the “Grim Sleeper.”

Neighbors say they never suspected Franklin of being the killer before his arrest.