In a verdict that comes as a grim reminder of the violence that can shatter the tranquility of Los Angeles communities, Anthony Francisco Jones was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder and sexual assault of two women in the Venice Canals, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón's office. The attacks, occurring on the night of April 6, claimed the life of one victim, while the second survivor was left with devastating injuries. According to a report by the District Attorney's office, Jones, 30, did not contest to charges that included one count of murder, both women suffered brutal assaults as they were alone in the serene neighborhood, known for its peaceful waterways.

Despite the serene backdrop of the Venice Canals, an area characterized by its quiet waterways and picturesque bridges, the community has been rocked by this tragedy, the heinous nature of the assaults prompted an outpouring of grief and called for rigorous prosecution, Jones, who is homeless, inflicted severe injuries upon the victims, one of whom, Sarah Alden, was declared brain dead and succumbed to her injuries weeks later while Mary Klein, suffered severe facial and chest trauma. KTLA reported that Jones was identified through security camera footage near the canals on the night of the attack, holding what appeared to be a liquor bottle used in the assaults.

Alongside the life sentence, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cathryn F. Brougham handed Jones an additional 107 years to life in state prison, plus eight years in state prison determinate, making clear the gravity of the convictions which included, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, forcible rape, mayhem, and torture among other felonies. Emphasizing the prosecutorial effort to hold Jones accountable, District Attorney George Gascón remarked, "Our prosecutors fought hard to serve justice today in response to Mr. Anthony Jones’ vile actions," as noted by CBS Los Angeles.