July 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Canal Attack Suspect Sentenced to Life Without Parole

His charges included murder with special circumstances, two counts of rape, and sexual penetration by force

Anthony Francisco Jones was sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading no contest to multiple charges, including murder and rape, following two brutal attacks along the Venice Canals in April. 

Jones, 36, admitted to raping two women and killing one of them in a series of assaults that occurred on the evening of April 6. His charges included murder with special circumstances, two counts of rape, sexual penetration by force, mayhem, torture, and sodomy by force, according to the Los Angeles Times. 

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Cathryn F. Brougham handed down the life sentence, which included 107 years to life in prison, plus an additional eight years for mayhem, the LA Times reported. Jones also admitted to kidnapping the victims and inflicting severe bodily injury during the commission of the crimes. 

The attack on the second victim, 53-year-old Sarah Alden, was particularly horrific. Alden, a mother of two and lover of Venice Beach, was declared brain dead in May after sustaining multiple brain injuries during the attack. She had just signed a lease to move to the area and was excited about starting a new chapter of her life.

The first victim was assaulted around 8:30 p.m. near the 2700 block of Strong Drive when Jones struck her from behind with a hard object, rendering her unconscious. Approximately an hour later, Alden was attacked near Sherman Canal. Residents found her gravely injured, leading to her hospitalization and eventual death.

LAPD launched an intensive investigation after the attacks, increasing patrols and urging residents to report suspicious activity. Evidence left at the crime scene linked Jones to both assaults, and he was soon apprehended.

in Hard, News
<>Related Posts

(Video) ‘World’s Strongest Man’ Champion Pulls Big Blue Bus for 30 feet

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

World-class strongman Martins Licis pulled a 34,680‑pound, 35-feet long, battery electric bus through the Pier to set off Pier 360...

California Highway Patrol Deploys for Independence Day Enforcement Surge

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

All Available Officers to Hit California Highways for Holiday Weekend As Californians gear up for Fourth of July festivities, the...

Court Postpones Arraignment for Driver in Malibu Crash That Killed Four Students

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Fraser Michael Bohm Faces Murder Charges in Fatal PCH Wreck  The arraignment for Fraser Michael Bohm, the 23-year-old man accused...

More Commercial Uses Could Be Coming to RAND Building

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Amendment Unlocks New Opportunities, Secures $5.5 Million in Community Benefits The Santa Monica Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to...

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...