Serial killer trial begins 30 years after he killed his first victim

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February 17, 2016 2:25 PM

The long-awaited trial of an alleged serial killer dubbed the 'Grim Sleeper' has begun - 30 years after the first victim was found.

Serial killer trial begins 30 years after he killed his first victim

The long-awaited trial of an alleged serial killer dubbed the 'Grim Sleeper' has begun - 30 years after the first victim was found. Mirror UK reported.

Lonnie Franklin Jr, 63 was was arrested for the murders of 9 women and a 15-year-old girl, whose bodies were found dumped in alleys and rubbish bins in Los Angeles between 1985 and 2007.

Franklin was arrested in July 2010 after DNA linked him to more than a dozen crime scenes.

His alleged victims were either strangled or shot and most had suffered some form of sexual contact.

Prosecutor Beth Silverman told the court Franklin had taken advantage of the crack cocaine epidemic in the area at the time of his first spree to target his victims.

Relatives of the women wept openly as she told the jury: "It was the perfect place and time for a serial killer to roam the streets of Los Angeles, really without detection."

Following a series of delays, family members are said to have expressed their relief that the trial has eventually started.

Franklin, has pleaded not guilty. His attorney has promised a vigorous defense of the man neighbors described as friendly, helpful and reliable.

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