Venice Canal Assault Survivor Files $5M Claim Against Los Angeles: Report

Mary Klein, 55, Was Attacked on April 6 at Around 10:30 p.m. In the Upscale Venice Neighborhood

A woman who survived a brutal sexual assault while walking along the Venice Canals in April has filed a $5-million claim against the city of Los Angeles, alleging negligence in providing safe streets for residents, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.

Mary Klein, 55, was attacked on April 6 at around 10:30 p.m. in the upscale Venice neighborhood. Klein suffered a severe beating that left her with missing teeth and a blood clot in her brain. Another woman, 53-year-old Sarah Alden, was attacked later that night and died from her injuries.

Anthony Francisco Jones, 29 at the time, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including murder, attempted murder, rape, torture, and sodomy by force. He pleaded not guilty, but later admitted to the crimes and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Jones, 36 at the time of sentencing, received an additional 107 years to life in prison, plus eight more years for mayhem.

Klein said she filed the claim to push the city to prioritize public safety. “I’ve become an activist for safer streets,” she said. “This tragedy shouldn’t have happened.”, The Times reported.

Jones’ attacks shocked the Venice Beach community. He struck his first victim near the 2700 block of Strong Drive, knocking her unconscious with a blunt object before assaulting her. An hour later, Alden was attacked near Sherman Canal, where she was found gravely injured by residents. Alden, a mother of two, was declared brain dead in May after sustaining severe brain trauma.

Following the assaults, the Los Angeles Police Department intensified patrols and urged residents to remain vigilant. Evidence collected at the crime scenes linked Jones to both attacks, leading to his capture and subsequent life sentence.

in Hard, News
Related Posts

Col. Eric Swenson Honored by LA for Historic Debris Removal Effort

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Swenson, with a distinguished military background including a Ph.D. and multiple master’s degrees from Penn State and other institutions, has...

More Commercial Uses Could Be Coming to RAND Building

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

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

(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...

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Marquez Students Rebuild Robots Destroyed in Fire, Shine at National and World Competitions

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Community and Coaches Rally Behind Young Innovators Elementary students from Marquez Charter Elementary School rebuilt their robots after they were...

Second Victim Killed Alongside LAPD Sergeant in Brentwood 405 Crash Identified

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Authorities Confirm Garcia, 34, Died at the Scene, GoFundMe Launched  Authorities have identified the civilian who was killed alongside a...

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

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

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

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

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

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

LAUSD Approves $604 Million Plan to Rebuild Fire-Damaged Palisades Schools

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The reconstruction, set to conclude by the end of 2028, aims to restore facilities for approximately 3,620 students across the...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

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

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...

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

June 29, 2025

June 29, 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...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...

Three Santa Monica College Student Films Selected for International Film Festival

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The LA Shorts International Film Festival, the city’s longest-running shorts festival, screens over 350 films annually and draws 10,000 attendees...