Westside Rape Charges Reveal Crime Rampage

SANTA MONICA — New charges filed against Jelani Efron King, the man suspected of being the so-called Westside rapist, reveal a five-month crime rampage in which he allegedly raped seven women, attacked three and burglarized the homes of 13 others.

King, 20, was arraigned Wednesday on 63 felony counts, including 23 counts of residential burglary, 15 counts of forcible rape, and five counts of robbery among other charges, Deputy Dist. Atty. Michael Latin said. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted, King faces numerous consecutive life sentences.

Los Angeles police believe that from November until April 5, King traveled from house to house, often burglarizing several homes in one night, and beating women in their beds before raping them.

King and his family are longtime residents of the Westside. On Wednesday, about 15 of his friends and family showed up for his court appearance. King was unemployed and not attending school when the attacks were taking place, said Police Det. Maureen Correa.

As King’s case moves closer to trial, police are searching for another rapist who has attacked twice in the same Palms neighborhood where King is accused of raping three women.