In a major arrest, LAPD finally captured the man who murdered 11 women (a 12th escaped) over the course of 3 decades. The women were mostly poor Black women — victims whose deaths often don’t get the necessary investigative attention. But my mother, Margaret Prescod, insisted that the police do their jobs, helping to build a coalition that would keep the police on their toes.
Way back in the 80s, LAPD Chief Darryl Gates was quoted as saying, “Get Prescod off my back” in the LAT in an article about this same case. Also, they photographed my mom, my dad, and me for a feature in the LAT that included a picture of my mom leafletting in Beverly Hills (see below for an image). This capture is partly due to the incredible, unfailing energy of my mother who never quit prodding the police about the case. And I’m sure that won’t end until the killer is found guilty. We’re all safer thanks in part to her work. Thanks Mom!
Margaret Prescod, who founded the Black Coalition Fighting Black Serial Murders and worked heavily with the families of the victims in the case told CNN she spoke with the Grim Sleeper Task Force who informed her of the arrest Wednesday.
Prescod said Det. Dennis Kilcoyne, head of the task force, told her that unlike a previous arrest in the case that turned out to be wrong, he was sure they had gotten their man this time.
“He told me that what they have is very solid,” Prescod said.
Prescod said she is “cautiously optimistic” about the development because there was an arrest years ago in the case, which police touted as solidly based on ballistics evidence, but turned out to be false.
If Franklin turns out to be the Grim Sleeper, “it would be a huge relief, not only for the [victims' families], but for the entire community that remained at threat,” Prescod said.
“We are mortified that it has taken this long to make an arrest but nevertheless, one is always glad when there is a breakthrough and we can only hope right now that it is a solid breakthrough.”
Prescod told CNN she had spoken with several of the victims’ families, some of whom are members of her coalition, to tell them about the news.
She said family members were screaming and shouting on the phone when she told them the news, elated that perhaps they could find closure in the deaths of their loved ones.
Arrest made in Los Angeles Grim Sleeper serial killer case – CNN.com.
On a side note, I just had to call my mom to tell her that like they did last year, CNN AGAIN got the name of her organization wrong. They are fighting *back* serial murders, not *Black* serial murders. CNN can’t read.
I was just four when this photo was taken, but I actually remember the photo shoot! Click on it to see an image large enough for you to read the beginning of the article.
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