Man attacked and raped 2 women the same night, leaving 1 brain dead

30-year-old Anthony Francisco Jones would spend the rest of his miserable life behind bars with no possibility of parole for the brutal rape and murder of 53-year-old Sarah Alden.

Alden was about to embark on an exciting new chapter in her life. She had just signed a lease for a home in Venice Beach, California—her favorite place—and was eagerly looking forward to sharing the news with her friends at an upcoming brunch. But she would no longer get the chance.

On April 6, her future was tragically cut short. That night, Alden was brutally attacked by Jones, who assaulted her with a liquor bottle before raping her. On the same night, Jones also assaulted and raped another woman.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Alden’s injuries proved too severe, and after six weeks in a coma, she was declared brain dead.

This past Friday, Jones accepted a plea deal, admitting to his heinous crimes. He pleaded no contest to charges that included two counts of forcible rape, murder, sexual penetration by force, mayhem, torture, and sodomy by force. In return, he was sentenced by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cathryn F. Brougham to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus an additional 107 years.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón commented on the case, emphasizing how prosecutors fought hard for justice. “Our hearts go out to the victim, the survivor, their families, and the Venice community,” Gascón said, recognizing the deep pain caused by Jones’ actions.

Jones, who was homeless, became a suspect after surveillance footage showed him holding the liquor bottle he used in the attacks. He was apprehended in San Diego a few days after the assaults.

Alden, a vintage jewelry seller with a deep love for animals, was also a mother of two. Her untimely death shattered the lives of her family and friends. A GoFundMe page described her as a woman looking forward to a new beginning, “At 53 years old, Sarah was looking to start a new chapter in her journey. Instead, her life was violently taken from her.”

The second victim, 54-year-old Mary Klein, survived the brutal attack but suffered serious injuries. Klein was ambushed by Jones as she walked along the street.

Reflecting on the horrifying moment from her hospital bed, Klein told cops, “All of a sudden, I just get knocked out. My teeth got knocked out. My jaw is wired shut. He bashed my face in.” She compared the impact to “being hit by a truck,” and suffered a fractured jaw, broken teeth, a large gash on the back of her head, and severe bruising across her body.

Despite the trauma, Klein expressed relief after Jones’ sentencing, knowing he could no longer harm anyone else. “He gave up his ability to be a part of society,” she said.

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Alden’s family and friends continue to mourn her loss, while Klein’s recovery is ongoing. Jones, now sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars, will never have the opportunity to victimize anyone again.