Alleged Grim Sleeper Serial Killer Entered a Plea of Not Guilty – California Penal Code Section 187

It was recently reported in the LA Times that the alleged Grim Sleeper, Lonnie David Franklin Jr. entered a plea of not guilty in the Los Angeles Superior Court. Franklin is charged with killing 10 women over a span of more than two decades.
Franklin was arrested in July 2010 after detectives linked his DNA from a discarded pizza crust to his father’s DNA from a DNA database.  Franklin’s father was in prison for an unrelated offense.  Once the detectives found that the DNA on the pizza crust was similar to Franklin’s father, they were able to look into the Franklin family tree to find an exact match.  The detectives were then able to track Franklin Jr. down at his Los Angeles house where he was arrested.  This controversial DNA technique is referred to as the Familial DNA technique, which can only be used for male suspects.
Franklin’s preliminary hearing is schedule for September 14, 2010.  Franklin faces the death penalty in a case that will likely not be resolved for many years.
Under California Penal Code Section 187, murder is the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought.  Such malice may be express or implied. It is express when there is manifested a deliberate intention unlawfully to take away the life of a fellow creature. It is implied, when no considerable provocation appears, or when the circumstances attending the killing show an abandoned and malignant heart
If you or a loved one is facing a murder charge, it is important that you speak with an experienced murder attorney.  At Wallin & Klarich, our Los Angeles murder attorneys have over 40 years of experience.  Our attorneys will be able to dedicate the time and care that will be required in a serious case.  Call us today at (888) 280-6839.  We will be there when you call.