How did a single slice of pizza expose one of the most elusive serial killers in American history? For over two decades, Lonnie Franklin Jr.—known as the "Grim Sleeper"—terrorized South Los Angeles, leaving a trail of victims in alleys and dumpsters while blending in as a friendly neighbor and former city sanitation worker. Police were stumped for 25 years until groundbreaking familial DNA technology delivered a shocking breakthrough.
When the state's offender database matched crime scene DNA to Franklin's 28-year-old son, Christopher Franklin, LAPD homicide detectives immediately placed Lonnie under 24-hour surveillance. The climax came at a children's birthday party at John's Incredible Pizza in Buena Park, Orange County. An LAPD detective went undercover as a restaurant busboy, collecting discarded pizza crusts, napkins, and utensils left behind by Franklin. Within days, the DNA lab confirmed a 100% match. Franklin was arrested and subsequently convicted of 10 counts of first-degree murder and 1 count of attempted murder, earning a sentence of death.
In this video, we break down the full true story—from the cold case investigation and the secret LAPD task force to the shocking interrogation footage and the innovative forensic science that finally brought justice to the victims and their families.

[00:00] Introduction: The Grim Sleeper case and myths about serial killers
[03:34] South Los Angeles in the 1980s: The perfect cover for a killer
[06:38] Enietra Washington: The story of the only surviving victim
[10:34] Controversial police tactics: The secret LAPD task force
[13:05] The killer's chilling 911 call
[16:34] A ballistics error and the arrest of Ricky Ross
[21:46] A 14-year hiatus: Where did the Grim Sleeper go?
[22:30] The evolution of forensics and DNA testing technology
[25:57] The killer's return in 2007: A mistake involving a zip tie
[29:47] Familial DNA searching: A controversial investigative breakthrough
[32:59] The son's DNA leads investigators to Lonnie Franklin Jr.
[34:29] Police mechanic and garbage man: The serial killer's double life
[36:39] Undercover operation: Obtaining DNA at a pizzeria
[41:13] A 100% DNA match and the arrest of "Uncle Lonnie"
[42:10] Lonnie Franklin's interrogation: A psychological duel with the police
[45:06] A hidden stash in the garage: A chilling collection of 180 photographs
[47:48] The trial and the pivotal testimony of Enietra Washington
[49:49] Unidentified victims and Franklin's death on death row
[51:07] Conclusion: Key lessons from the Grim Sleeper investigation

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