Lonnie David Franklin Jr. (August 30, 1952 – March 28, 2020), better known by the nickname Grim Sleeper, was a convicted American serial killer. He was responsible for at least ten murders and one attempted murder in Los Angeles, California.[1] He was also convicted for rape and sexual violence.[2][3][4] Franklin earned his nickname when he appeared to have taken a 14-year break from his crimes, from 1988 to 2002.[5]
In July 2010, Franklin was arrested as a suspect, and, after many delays, his trial began in February 2016. On May 5, 2016, the jury convicted him of killing nine women and one teenage girl.[6][7]
On June 6, 2016, the jury recommended the death penalty,[8] and on August 10, 2016, the Los Angeles Superior Court sentenced him to death.[9] On March 28, 2020, he was found unresponsive in his cell at San Quentin and pronounced dead at the age of 67.[10]
