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Cops Narrowly Missed 'Grim Sleeper' Twice

Missed chance on DNA, staked out wrong house,

By Emily Rauhala,  Newser User

Posted Jul 15, 2010 5:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – The alleged serial killer known as the Grim Sleeper could have been stopped two years earlier if the police had collected his DNA. Lonnie David Franklin should have been added to a DNA database under a 2004 law called Proposition 69, finds the LA Times. He wasn't—apparently because it took the cops too long to get organized. "If only,” laments the mother of one of the victims. “Her life could have been possibly saved.”

Tragically, it wasn't the only time investigators narrowly missed Franklin. In 1988, the LAPD staked out a house just three doors down from the suspected killers' home, reports LA Weekly. "We were very close," says one of the detectives on the case. "But not close enough." Click here for more on the case.

Lonnie David Franklin, the alleged Grim Sleeper killer, in court.
Lonnie David Franklin, the alleged "Grim Sleeper" killer, in court.   (AP Photo/Al Seib, Pool)
Janecia Peters was found dead on Jan. 1, 2007 in an alley. She is believed to have been killed by the Grim Sleeper serial killer.
Janecia Peters was found dead on Jan. 1, 2007 in an alley. She is believed to have been killed by the "Grim Sleeper" serial killer.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
Valerie McCorvey. She was found dead on July 11, 2003. She is believed to have been killed by the Grim Sleeper serial killer.
Valerie McCorvey. She was found dead on July 11, 2003. She is believed to have been killed by the "Grim Sleeper" serial killer.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
Princess Berthomieux was found dead on March 19, 2002.
Princess Berthomieux was found dead on March 19, 2002.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
Enietra Washington. Washington survived an attempted murder, and was found on Nov. 20, 1988. She is the only known survivor after being attacked by the Grim Sleeper serial killer.
Enietra Washington. Washington survived an attempted murder, and was found on Nov. 20, 1988. She is the only known survivor after being attacked by the "Grim Sleeper" serial killer.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
Alicia Alexander was found dead on Sept. 11, 1988 in an alley. She is believed to have been killed by the Grim Sleeper serial killer.
Alicia Alexander was found dead on Sept. 11, 1988 in an alley. She is believed to have been killed by the "Grim Sleeper" serial killer.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
Lachrica Jefferson was found dead on Jan. 30, 1988.
Lachrica Jefferson was found dead on Jan. 30, 1988.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
Bernita Sparks was found dead on April 15, 1987.
Bernita Sparks was found dead on April 15, 1987.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
Mary Lowe was found dead on Nov. 1, 1987 in an alley.
Mary Lowe was found dead on Nov. 1, 1987 in an alley.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
Thomas Steele was found dead on Aug. 14, 1986.
Thomas Steele was found dead on Aug. 14, 1986.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
Barbara Ware was found dead on Jan. 10, 1987 in an alley.
Barbara Ware was found dead on Jan. 10, 1987 in an alley.   (AP Photo/Los Angeles Police Department)
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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 3 comments
Rocket448
Jul 15, 2010 10:45 PM CDT
The stake-out was no miss...they weren't after the guy at that time.

 
crime • murder • DNA • LAPD • DNA database • serial killers • DNA evidence • DNA sample • Grim Sleeper • Lonnie David Franklin Jr.

 
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