'Grim Sleeper' Suspect Collected $300K in Pension Payments, Report

LOS ANGELES -- The man accused of being the notorious " Grim Sleeper" serial killer has reportedly collected $300,000 in pension payments, and will continue to collect them until he dies.

City documents obtained by L.A. Weekly show that Lonnie Franklin Jr., 57, has been collecting monthly disability pension checks from the L.A. pension system for 19 years after being injured while working as a garbage collector.

The first checks, in 1991, were a little less than $900; they are now $1,658.54 per month, according to documents obtained by the Weekly, which reported that his running total so far is $300,000. If he lives to age 82, that amount would reach $1 million.


The Office of the City Attorney told the Weekly that Franklin cannot be cut off, even if he's convicted and sent to death row. He or his family will be paid until he dies.

Franklin reportedly submitted an injury claim two months after his first alleged victim, cocktail waitress Debra Jackson, was found dead on August 10, 1985.

His arrest ended a 25 year investigation into the deaths of 11 people dating back to 1985.

He has been charged with 10 counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and special circumstance allegations of multiple murders that could make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Franklin is being held without bail. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 23.

The retired auto mechanic was arrested at his South Los Angeles home July 7 after DNA evidence linked him to the 10 murders. Investigators say they're trying to tie him to dozens more.

The 'Grim Sleeper' is believed to be responsible for the murders of 10 women and one man from 1985 to 2007.

After 1988, the killer did not commit any known homicides until 2002, giving him his nickname.

He last struck on Jan. 1, 2007.

A 12th victim escaped after she was shot and raped.

The 14-year hiatus between the two distinct sets of killings correspond to a time when Franklin was on disability, a law enforcement source said.

All the bodies were found outdoors, often in alleys a few miles south of downtown Los Angeles.

The victims were shot, strangled or both, usually after some kind of sexual contact.

Ten victims were women and several were prostitutes.

Police have said it's possible the male victim, Thomas Steele, who was shot in 1987, was a friend of another victim or discovered the killer's identity.

Franklin has twice been convicted of felonies, according to court records, both for receiving stolen property.