LOS ANGELES, California—In a horrifying incident that occurred earlier this month, two women were viciously attacked in separate incidents in California. The first victim, 54-year-old Mary Klein, was assaulted during her routine evening walk around the Venice canals in Los Angeles County on April 6. She was ambushed from behind by the assailant, identified as 29-year-old Anthony Jones, who left her unconscious and with significant dental injuries.
Klein described the attack as akin to being hit by a vehicle, believing that Jones had intended to kill her. Around an hour after Klein’s assault, Jones allegedly targeted another woman at the same location, leaving her in a coma. The identity of the second victim has not been released.
Klein’s assault was particularly brutal, with Jones knocking her down and repeatedly striking her in the face and head until she lost consciousness. When she regained consciousness, he had already fled the scene. Unaware of the severity of her injuries, Klein managed to make it home and even went to work the next day.
Her injuries are extensive, including broken teeth, a fractured jaw that required wiring, a large wound on the back of her head, and multiple contusions and bruises on her face and neck. She will undergo several surgeries and physical therapy to fully recover, according to her family. A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with her medical expenses. Meanwhile, the second victim remains in a coma.
Jones was arrested on April 9 and is now facing two counts of attempted murder. Authorities believe that both attacks were random but noted a possible “sexual element” without providing further details. Currently held at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center, Jones’s bail has been set at $3.25 million.
Expressing her hope for a life sentence for Jones, Klein, who is soon to become a grandmother, also called on local officials to address the issues of mental health, drug abuse, and homelessness.