Authorities say there may be no gap in the “Grim Sleeper” killings

The South Los Angeles serial killer known as the "Grim Sleeper" got his name because he allegedly killed seven women in the South LA area during a three-year period from 1985 to 1988 before coming to a stop for more than a decade, allegedly resuming in 2002 with another killing and continuing in 2003 with another killing and yet another in 2007. Investigators originally thought that no killings occurred from 1989 to 2001, but they have now linked two more deaths to the suspect based upon new evidence and information.

LAPD Det. Dennis Kilcoyne has been leading the investigation. According to a statement reported in the Los Angeles Times, Det. Kilcoyne stated "I don't think there is a gap. We are continuing to examine many, many old cases now we know Mr. Franklin's identity. We are trying to put together other cases."

Lonnie Franklin, Jr. currently faces charges for killing ten people and has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Formal charges have not yet been filed regarding the new killings.

Particularly in ongoing investigations regarding murder or manslaughter, the most important thing a defendant can do is hire a competent  criminal defense lawyer to protect his or her legal rights and interests. Regardless of what you or someone you know may have been accused of, you have the right to due process. Exercise your Constitutional rights by hiring an attorney as soon as possible.

Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at Okabe & Haushalter to discuss your case.