Victim in Venice canal attack identified as a single mom and artist

One of two women brutally assaulted in separate attacks along the famed Venice Canals has been identified as a single mother known for her elaborate sand art.

Mary Klein, 54, suffered fractures to her jaw, broken teeth, a large gash on the back of her head and multiple contusions in the April 6 attack, and faces a long road to recovery, according to a friend who started a GoFundMe campaign to pay Klein’s medical bills.

“[Mary’s] spirits are strong and she is overflowing with surprise and hope that so many people are reaching out with words of strength,” Kathleen Butler wrote.

Police search for man who violently assaulted 2 women at Venice Canals

Graphic photos of Klein’s injuries were posted on the GoFundMe page, along with photos of her sand art depicting mermaids that she would create along the beach in Venice.

“She will require many surgeries and is currently getting her jaw wired shut for at least a month. Not to mention she will, in time, need mental health support and guidance along with [physical therapy,” wrote Butler, adding that Klein works as a full-time caregiver to an elderly woman with ALS and recently lost her health insurance coverage.

$11,000 had been donated as of Friday morning.

Both attacks occurred late at night.

In the first, police say a man approached a woman from behind in the 2700 block of Strongs Drive near the Grand Canal and struck her in the head with a hard object, knocking her unconscious.

In the second incident, which occurred about an hour later, police say the same man assaulted a woman who was walking near the Sherman Canal.

The assailant is described as a Black or Hispanic male, between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet tall, and weighs between 180 and 200 pounds with short hair that appeared to be trimmed around the ears.

After the attacks, the Los Angeles Police Department announced increased patrols around the Venice Canals.

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