Woman speaks after attack while on walk: ‘It was like being hit by a truck’
LOS ANGELES (Gray News) - One of two women assaulted while out walking in a Los Angeles neighborhood says she’s lucky to be alive and grateful her suspected attacker was arrested.
GRAPHIC WARNING: Images included in this story may be disturbing to some viewers.
Mary Klein, 54, was taking an evening walk April 6 near the Venice Canals in Los Angeles when she was attacked from behind, causing her to fall to the ground. She told KTLA the suspect repeatedly punched her in the head and face and bludgeoned her.
“I think he was trying to kill me,” she said. “It was like being hit by a truck.”
Klein suffered several fractures, a large laceration to the back of her head and multiple contusions on her face and neck, according to a GoFundMe set up by her friend, Kathleen Butler. She also lost two teeth in the attack.
She will need many surgeries, mental health support and physical therapy as she recovers. Her jaw will also be wired shut for at least a month, her friend says.
Still, Klein considers herself blessed.
Police said she is one of two women who were attacked in the area that day by the same suspect. The other victim is in a coma, KTLA reports.
“I was crying because I was so worried about the other girl [victim], and I hope she makes it,” Klein said. “I’m lucky I survived, and I feel so sad for her.”
Police announced at a Friday news conference that the suspect in both attacks, which they say had “a sexual element” to them, was identified as 29-year-old Anthony Jones. He was arrested Thursday and booked into jail on suspicion of two counts of attempted murder.
“I have been absolutely horrified and heartbroken by what happened to these women. I can only imagine the pain, the grief and the anger that these victims and their families must feel,” said Los Angeles Councilmember Traci Park at the news conference.
Jones is being held on a $3,250,000 bail. Police say charges will be filed in conjunction with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Klein told KTTV she was thrilled to hear the suspect was arrested.
“I was crying,” she said. “I was so happy I was crying.”
She said she believes Jones should be sentenced to prison for life, KTLA reports.
Klein was released from the hospital Sunday and will continue to recover at home with her cat, according to GoFundMe. Nearly $80,000 has been raised to help her pay for medical bills, mental healthcare, facial reconstruction, dental surgery and a home security system.
Those who would like to donate to Klein’s GoFundMe may do so by clicking here.
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