Gang Member Gets 41 Years For Murder Of 7-Week-Old Infant, Two Teens
SAN FRANCISCO -- A former San Francisco drug gang member who had admitted to three murders including the slaying of a 7-week-old, was sentenced in federal court in the city Wednesday to 41 years and four months in prison for racketeering.
The sentence approved by U.S. District Judge William Alsup for Emil Fort, 27, was proposed in a plea bargain in March in which Fort pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy.
The guilty plea ended a trial in which Fort could have faced a rare federal death penalty if he had been convicted of the murders of a 7-week-old baby and two teenagers in 2003 and 2004.
Fort admitted to the three fatal shootings during the guilty plea, but could have faced a death penalty only if he had been convicted of slayings as separate crimes of murder in aid of racketeering.
Fort was a member of the Down Below gang, which operated in the Sunnydale housing project in the Visitacion Valley neighborhood of the city. Prosecutors said the gang sold cocaine and other drugs and protected its turf with violence and murder.
Alsup had previously said he might not accept the sentence because it was too lenient.
But he announced today he had decided to approve it because prosecutors told him they might have had trouble proving that the murders were committed as part of a racketeering or gang enterprise rather than in a personal vendetta.
The judge said, "This is a compromise. At a minimum it will keep a very dangerous man off the streets for 41 years. There was a risk that might not have happened if we had gone all the way to verdict."
Fort was the last of 12 members of the gang who were indicted in 2005 to plead guilty to various charges.
He will get credit for nearly five years served in state and federal custody since July 2004.
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Man Shot Multiple Times During Robbery
Man suffers life-threatening injuries during robbery in Hunters Point
By: Will Reisman
05/20/09 8:35 AM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO — A man suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot multiple times while being robbed in Hunters Point last night.
The victim, a 35-year-old Hispanic male, was parked in his car on the 1500 block of Jennings Street when a teenage boy approached his vehicle at 10:10 p.m., according to the San Francisco Police Department.
The boy, who police said is between 16 and 18 years old, pulled out a gun, demanded the victim’s property, and then began kicking out the window of the victim’s car. The boy then shot the victim multiple times and fled eastbound on Quesada Avenue in a car driven by a second suspect, police said.
Officers arrived at the scene and found the victim suffering from serious gun wounds. He was transferred to San Francisco General Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
No arrests has been made and the case is under investigation.
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By: Will Reisman
05/20/09 8:35 AM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO — A man suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot multiple times while being robbed in Hunters Point last night.
The victim, a 35-year-old Hispanic male, was parked in his car on the 1500 block of Jennings Street when a teenage boy approached his vehicle at 10:10 p.m., according to the San Francisco Police Department.
The boy, who police said is between 16 and 18 years old, pulled out a gun, demanded the victim’s property, and then began kicking out the window of the victim’s car. The boy then shot the victim multiple times and fled eastbound on Quesada Avenue in a car driven by a second suspect, police said.
Officers arrived at the scene and found the victim suffering from serious gun wounds. He was transferred to San Francisco General Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
No arrests has been made and the case is under investigation.
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Sunday, May 17, 2009
Man Shot In Hunters Point
Man Shot Multiple Times In Broad Daylight In SF
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ―
San Francisco police are searching for a suspect who shot a male victim multiple times in the city's Bayview-Hunters Point District in broad daylight Saturday morning, a sergeant said.
The victim was shot in the unit block of West Point Road at about 10:15 a.m., Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said. He was taken to San Francisco General Hospital.
No arrests had been made by about 11:20 a.m., but police have identified the suspect, she said.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ―
San Francisco police are searching for a suspect who shot a male victim multiple times in the city's Bayview-Hunters Point District in broad daylight Saturday morning, a sergeant said.
The victim was shot in the unit block of West Point Road at about 10:15 a.m., Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said. He was taken to San Francisco General Hospital.
No arrests had been made by about 11:20 a.m., but police have identified the suspect, she said.
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Three Shot In The Excelsior
SFPD Shoots Suspect After 2 Victims Found Shot
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / KCBS / AP / BCN) ―
A 19-year-old man was the victim in a shooting involving San Francisco police overnight, following the earlier shootings of two people in the 5000 block of Mission Street.
The initial shootings were reported about 11:55 p.m. Friday to police who were already monitoring the area, SFPD Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said.
"There was a hip-hop event that just got overcrowded and had been shut down," said Tomioka. "And they were advised that there were two gunshot victims."
There was a huge group of people near the intersection of Mission Street and Geneva Avenue, according to Tomioka, who said the two gunshot victims were found and taken to San Francisco General Hospital.
Moments later, she said a teenager got into a shootout with a police officer near a Beacon gas station at the intersection.
The suspect was also taken to San Francisco General.
The suspect and the two victims all suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, Tomioka said.
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SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5 / KCBS / AP / BCN) ―
A 19-year-old man was the victim in a shooting involving San Francisco police overnight, following the earlier shootings of two people in the 5000 block of Mission Street.
The initial shootings were reported about 11:55 p.m. Friday to police who were already monitoring the area, SFPD Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said.
"There was a hip-hop event that just got overcrowded and had been shut down," said Tomioka. "And they were advised that there were two gunshot victims."
There was a huge group of people near the intersection of Mission Street and Geneva Avenue, according to Tomioka, who said the two gunshot victims were found and taken to San Francisco General Hospital.
Moments later, she said a teenager got into a shootout with a police officer near a Beacon gas station at the intersection.
The suspect was also taken to San Francisco General.
The suspect and the two victims all suffered injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, Tomioka said.
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Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Woman Dies From Injuries Sustained During Robbery
Police Seek Leads In Fatal Attack On SF Woman
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ―
San Francisco police Tuesday announced they are seeking the public's assistance in locating a man responsible for an attack and robbery in April that led to the death of a 63-year-old woman.
Helen Canafax was in the 600 block of Folsom Street on April 10 when a man took her purse and knocked her to the ground, police said. She sustained serious injuries in the fall and died on April 26.
Police described Canafax as a popular and generous woman who often gave money to the homeless.
The suspect is described as a black man between 35 and 40 years old, weighing 180 pounds. He was wearing a gray beanie-style cap, a red or black sweatshirt and dark-colored pants.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call homicide inspectors Richard Martin or John Cleary at (415) 553-1145 or the confidential tip line at (415) 575-4444.
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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ―
San Francisco police Tuesday announced they are seeking the public's assistance in locating a man responsible for an attack and robbery in April that led to the death of a 63-year-old woman.
Helen Canafax was in the 600 block of Folsom Street on April 10 when a man took her purse and knocked her to the ground, police said. She sustained serious injuries in the fall and died on April 26.
Police described Canafax as a popular and generous woman who often gave money to the homeless.
The suspect is described as a black man between 35 and 40 years old, weighing 180 pounds. He was wearing a gray beanie-style cap, a red or black sweatshirt and dark-colored pants.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to call homicide inspectors Richard Martin or John Cleary at (415) 553-1145 or the confidential tip line at (415) 575-4444.
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Monday, May 11, 2009
Suspect Arrested In Tenderloin Fatal Stabbing
SF: 43-YEAR-OLD MAN IN CUSTODY FOR TENDERLOIN FATAL STABBING
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
Police said today they have arrested a suspect in the fatal stabbing of 41-year-old Andre Fluker inside a residential hotel in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood last week.
Mikel Harris, 43, of San Francisco, was arrested Friday and booked into jail on a homicide charge.
Fluker was found wounded inside the hotel, located in the first block of Turk Street, shortly after 1 p.m. Friday. He was pronounced dead at San Francisco General Hospital.
The medical examiner's office has not yet confirmed Fluker's city of residence.
Police have not released information about the circumstances of the stabbing, or a possible motive.
The stabbing is the 17th homicide reported this year by San Francisco police.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
Police said today they have arrested a suspect in the fatal stabbing of 41-year-old Andre Fluker inside a residential hotel in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood last week.
Mikel Harris, 43, of San Francisco, was arrested Friday and booked into jail on a homicide charge.
Fluker was found wounded inside the hotel, located in the first block of Turk Street, shortly after 1 p.m. Friday. He was pronounced dead at San Francisco General Hospital.
The medical examiner's office has not yet confirmed Fluker's city of residence.
Police have not released information about the circumstances of the stabbing, or a possible motive.
The stabbing is the 17th homicide reported this year by San Francisco police.
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Saturday, May 9, 2009
Man Shot In Fisherman's Wharf
SF: MAN SHOT, INJURIES NOT BELIEVED TO BE LIFE-THREATENING
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
San Francisco police are investigating a shooting in the city this morning that hospitalized a man with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The shooting was reported at about 3:35 a.m. near Bay and Taylor streets, according to police.
A couple suspects were arguing with the victim near the intersection when one suspect pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the buttocks, police said.
The victim was taken to San Francisco General Hospital to be treated for his injuries, according to police.
No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting as of 6 a.m., police said.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
San Francisco police are investigating a shooting in the city this morning that hospitalized a man with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The shooting was reported at about 3:35 a.m. near Bay and Taylor streets, according to police.
A couple suspects were arguing with the victim near the intersection when one suspect pulled out a gun and shot the victim in the buttocks, police said.
The victim was taken to San Francisco General Hospital to be treated for his injuries, according to police.
No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting as of 6 a.m., police said.
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Friday, May 8, 2009
Man Stabbed In Golden Gate Park
SF: MALE VICTIM STABBED NEAR CONSERVATORY OF FLOWERS
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A male victim was injured in a stabbing in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park tonight, police said.
Officers responded to reports of the stabbing near the Conservatory of Flowers on John F. Kennedy Drive at about 8:30 p.m., according to police.
Preliminary reports indicate the victim suffered at least one stab wound to his leg and the incident may have been related to a robbery.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A male victim was injured in a stabbing in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park tonight, police said.
Officers responded to reports of the stabbing near the Conservatory of Flowers on John F. Kennedy Drive at about 8:30 p.m., according to police.
Preliminary reports indicate the victim suffered at least one stab wound to his leg and the incident may have been related to a robbery.
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Man Stabbed To Death In The Tenderloin
Stabbing death at Tenderloin hotel
Jaxon Van Derbeken, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, May 8, 2009
(05-08) 16:47 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco police are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred Friday afternoon at a residential hotel in the Tenderloin, authorities said.
The unidentified male victim was pronounced dead on arrival at San Francisco General Hospital, police said.
The victim was stabbed at 1:11 p.m. inside the Dalt Hotel at 34 Turk St. A clerk at the hotel declined to answer questions about the slaying.
The Dalt was once one of the Tenderloin's most notorious residential hotels, and in 2003 it was the scene of a shooting rampage in which four people died. Shortly thereafter, the nonprofit Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corp. rehabilitated the building and reopened it in 2005 as a showpiece for supportive housing for poor and formerly homeless people.
Nonprofit officials could not be reached for comment about the stabbing.
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Jaxon Van Derbeken, Chronicle Staff Writer
Friday, May 8, 2009
(05-08) 16:47 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco police are investigating a fatal stabbing that occurred Friday afternoon at a residential hotel in the Tenderloin, authorities said.
The unidentified male victim was pronounced dead on arrival at San Francisco General Hospital, police said.
The victim was stabbed at 1:11 p.m. inside the Dalt Hotel at 34 Turk St. A clerk at the hotel declined to answer questions about the slaying.
The Dalt was once one of the Tenderloin's most notorious residential hotels, and in 2003 it was the scene of a shooting rampage in which four people died. Shortly thereafter, the nonprofit Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corp. rehabilitated the building and reopened it in 2005 as a showpiece for supportive housing for poor and formerly homeless people.
Nonprofit officials could not be reached for comment about the stabbing.
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Man Robbed After Stopping to Help Woman
SF: MAN FLAGGED DOWN BY DAMSEL IN DISTRESS, THEN ROBBED AT GUNPOINT
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A Good Samaritan was robbed at gunpoint by a damsel in distress pretending to be injured in the street early this morning in San Francisco's lower Nob Hill neighborhood, police said.
At about 12:10 a.m., a 30-year-old San Francisco man driving in the 1500 block of Larkin Street saw a woman on her hands and knees in the street, stopped and got out to ask if she needed help, according to police.
The woman said she did need assistance, but when the man tried to help her up, she pushed him away and pointed a handgun at him, police said. She then went through the man's pockets, stole his cell phone, and took money from his wallet before throwing the wallet back at him and running off.
The victim gave chase, but the woman escaped down the block in car being driven by a second suspect.
About 10 minutes later, police spotted a woman matching the robber's description walking several blocks away on Larkin Street near Olive Street.
The victim was able to identify the alleged fraudster, 36-year-old Kimberly Brown, of San Francisco, and she was arrested.
Police weren't able to find the suspect vehicle -- described as a four-door, tan American car -- or the driver.
The gun and the victim's cell phone were also missing, but all the man's money was recovered, police said.
Brown was booked on suspicion of robbery and possession of stolen property.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A Good Samaritan was robbed at gunpoint by a damsel in distress pretending to be injured in the street early this morning in San Francisco's lower Nob Hill neighborhood, police said.
At about 12:10 a.m., a 30-year-old San Francisco man driving in the 1500 block of Larkin Street saw a woman on her hands and knees in the street, stopped and got out to ask if she needed help, according to police.
The woman said she did need assistance, but when the man tried to help her up, she pushed him away and pointed a handgun at him, police said. She then went through the man's pockets, stole his cell phone, and took money from his wallet before throwing the wallet back at him and running off.
The victim gave chase, but the woman escaped down the block in car being driven by a second suspect.
About 10 minutes later, police spotted a woman matching the robber's description walking several blocks away on Larkin Street near Olive Street.
The victim was able to identify the alleged fraudster, 36-year-old Kimberly Brown, of San Francisco, and she was arrested.
Police weren't able to find the suspect vehicle -- described as a four-door, tan American car -- or the driver.
The gun and the victim's cell phone were also missing, but all the man's money was recovered, police said.
Brown was booked on suspicion of robbery and possession of stolen property.
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Resident Shot During Burglary Attempt
SF: RESIDENT SHOT BY MAN DURING ATTEMPTED BURGLARY
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A 40-year-old San Francisco man was shot early this morning by a man attempting to burglarize his home, according to police.
The shooting was reported at 3:50 a.m. in the 100 block of Gladstone Drive, located atop a hilly section of the Excelsior District, police spokeswoman Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said.
The suspect, described as a man in his mid-20s, allegedly broke a window of the home to get inside.
The suspect was confronted by the homeowner, pulled a gun and began shooting, and then fled on foot, Tomioka said. Police were unable to locate him.
The victim was driven to San Francisco General Hospital. The extent of his injuries was not immediately known.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A 40-year-old San Francisco man was shot early this morning by a man attempting to burglarize his home, according to police.
The shooting was reported at 3:50 a.m. in the 100 block of Gladstone Drive, located atop a hilly section of the Excelsior District, police spokeswoman Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said.
The suspect, described as a man in his mid-20s, allegedly broke a window of the home to get inside.
The suspect was confronted by the homeowner, pulled a gun and began shooting, and then fled on foot, Tomioka said. Police were unable to locate him.
The victim was driven to San Francisco General Hospital. The extent of his injuries was not immediately known.
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
Police to Increase Weekend Presence Around Nightclubs
Police hope to keep peace around city’s club venues
By: Tamara Barak Aparton
Examiner Staff Writer
04/23/09 7:58 PM
Police will fan out to nightclubs this weekend after a recent spike in violence outside SoMa and Mission district hot-spots.
“In the last three weeks, we have seen a weekend increase in violence,” police Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said. “We are redirecting some of our violence-reduction teams to be in the areas where we consider a potential [for violent crime].”
The department will pay overtime to deploy additional officers, she said.
“We’re going to have high visibility in the areas to deter criminal activities,” Tomioka said.
Among the most recent incidents was the shooting death of James Jamonte Turner, a 23-year-old Richmond man who may have left a SoMa club right before the incident. On Sunday, three men were hospitalized with stab wounds after a fight involving broken bottles outside SoMa’s The Endup.
Endup owner Sydney Leung said violence like Sunday’s fight is unusual, partly because of a constant police presence.
“We are literally one block away from Southern [Police] Station, so we’re pretty lucky. Normally, I do see [officers] during the night,” he said.
Leung said he welcomes additional patrols, especially as warm weather brings more revelers out.
Entertainment Commissioner Jim Meko said a visible police presence would be more effective than current legislation supported by club owners that would make it illegal to loiter outside for more than a few minutes.
“Ultimately, the solution is a police presence. Loitering law or no loitering law, we’ve found that foot patrols tend to make these things go away in an instant,” Meko said.
Commission Executive Director Bob Davis favors the patrols, but said the uptick in violence was not limited to clubs. There were three homicides last weekend, two of which were unrelated to clubs.
Police said next week they will re-evaluate whether to continue the increased patrols.
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By: Tamara Barak Aparton
Examiner Staff Writer
04/23/09 7:58 PM
Police will fan out to nightclubs this weekend after a recent spike in violence outside SoMa and Mission district hot-spots.
“In the last three weeks, we have seen a weekend increase in violence,” police Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said. “We are redirecting some of our violence-reduction teams to be in the areas where we consider a potential [for violent crime].”
The department will pay overtime to deploy additional officers, she said.
“We’re going to have high visibility in the areas to deter criminal activities,” Tomioka said.
Among the most recent incidents was the shooting death of James Jamonte Turner, a 23-year-old Richmond man who may have left a SoMa club right before the incident. On Sunday, three men were hospitalized with stab wounds after a fight involving broken bottles outside SoMa’s The Endup.
Endup owner Sydney Leung said violence like Sunday’s fight is unusual, partly because of a constant police presence.
“We are literally one block away from Southern [Police] Station, so we’re pretty lucky. Normally, I do see [officers] during the night,” he said.
Leung said he welcomes additional patrols, especially as warm weather brings more revelers out.
Entertainment Commissioner Jim Meko said a visible police presence would be more effective than current legislation supported by club owners that would make it illegal to loiter outside for more than a few minutes.
“Ultimately, the solution is a police presence. Loitering law or no loitering law, we’ve found that foot patrols tend to make these things go away in an instant,” Meko said.
Commission Executive Director Bob Davis favors the patrols, but said the uptick in violence was not limited to clubs. There were three homicides last weekend, two of which were unrelated to clubs.
Police said next week they will re-evaluate whether to continue the increased patrols.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Woman Pleads Guilty To Accessory To Murder In Man's Death
SF: WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY AS AN ACCESSORY TO MURDER FOR 2008 BAYVIEW STABBING
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A 23-year-old East Palo Alto woman pleaded guilty today in San Francisco Superior Court to an accessory to murder charge for her role in the stabbing death of a San Francisco father of three one year ago, prosecutors said.
Natasha McJimsey had been held in connection with the April 21, 2008, murder of Kenneth Arthur Jr., 46, who was found stabbed to death at about 12:30 a.m. at Thomas Avenue and Griffith Street, near his home in the Bayview district.
Arthur had been a celebrated recipient of the first Habitat for Humanity home in San Francisco.
Investigators believe his killing was over a drug debt Arthur had failed to pay to another man, 30-year-old David Earby Jr., of San Francisco.
According to investigators, McJimsey, a confessed crack dealer, knew Earby and that night at Earby's request, handed him the knife he used to kill Arthur, and later attempted to conceal evidence of the murder.
Earby was himself killed in an unrelated solo motorcycle crash in Pinole only days after the murder. McJimsey was arrested at her home on July 8.
McJimsey had been originally charged with murder, and today, prosecutors said she agreed to plead guilty to accessory to murder and drug charges.
Under the terms of the agreement, she faces three years and eight months in state prison, according to the district attorney's office.
Arthur became Habitat for Humanity San Francisco's first homeowner in the city in 1996. Five days before his murder, he emceed a Habitat for Humanity gala fundraiser and awards event attended by Mayor Gavin Newsom.
He left behind a wife and three sons.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A 23-year-old East Palo Alto woman pleaded guilty today in San Francisco Superior Court to an accessory to murder charge for her role in the stabbing death of a San Francisco father of three one year ago, prosecutors said.
Natasha McJimsey had been held in connection with the April 21, 2008, murder of Kenneth Arthur Jr., 46, who was found stabbed to death at about 12:30 a.m. at Thomas Avenue and Griffith Street, near his home in the Bayview district.
Arthur had been a celebrated recipient of the first Habitat for Humanity home in San Francisco.
Investigators believe his killing was over a drug debt Arthur had failed to pay to another man, 30-year-old David Earby Jr., of San Francisco.
According to investigators, McJimsey, a confessed crack dealer, knew Earby and that night at Earby's request, handed him the knife he used to kill Arthur, and later attempted to conceal evidence of the murder.
Earby was himself killed in an unrelated solo motorcycle crash in Pinole only days after the murder. McJimsey was arrested at her home on July 8.
McJimsey had been originally charged with murder, and today, prosecutors said she agreed to plead guilty to accessory to murder and drug charges.
Under the terms of the agreement, she faces three years and eight months in state prison, according to the district attorney's office.
Arthur became Habitat for Humanity San Francisco's first homeowner in the city in 1996. Five days before his murder, he emceed a Habitat for Humanity gala fundraiser and awards event attended by Mayor Gavin Newsom.
He left behind a wife and three sons.
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Man Robs Financial District Bank
SF: POLICE LOOKING FOR BANK ROBBER WHO COMPLAINED ABOUT CORPORATE BAILOUTS
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
San Francisco police today asked for the public's help in finding a bank robbery suspect who reportedly told a bank manager he was angry about corporate bailouts.
The robbery took place at about 12:50 p.m. on April 15, at a Bank of America branch at 50 California St., according to police.
Police said the man initially asked to speak with a manager because he wanted to make "a large withdrawal."
When he met with the manager, the suspect, who was carrying a black laptop case, explained he worked for an organization concerned about government bailouts of corporations, according to police.
The man then allegedly threatened to detonate a bomb he was carrying with him if the manager didn't hand over cash.
The suspect smiled throughout the encounter, and told the manager the money "would go to people who deserve it," police said.
The manager never saw any explosive device, but gave the suspect a large amount of cash from the bank's vault, and the suspect fled on foot, police said.
Police spokeswoman Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said today that there haven't been any similar recent bank robberies in San Francisco.
Police described the suspect as a white man, about 6 feet tall and 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue baseball cap with "SF" written on it, glasses, a khaki buttoned shirt and blue jeans.
Photos of the suspect are available at www.sfgov.org.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
San Francisco police today asked for the public's help in finding a bank robbery suspect who reportedly told a bank manager he was angry about corporate bailouts.
The robbery took place at about 12:50 p.m. on April 15, at a Bank of America branch at 50 California St., according to police.
Police said the man initially asked to speak with a manager because he wanted to make "a large withdrawal."
When he met with the manager, the suspect, who was carrying a black laptop case, explained he worked for an organization concerned about government bailouts of corporations, according to police.
The man then allegedly threatened to detonate a bomb he was carrying with him if the manager didn't hand over cash.
The suspect smiled throughout the encounter, and told the manager the money "would go to people who deserve it," police said.
The manager never saw any explosive device, but gave the suspect a large amount of cash from the bank's vault, and the suspect fled on foot, police said.
Police spokeswoman Sgt. Lyn Tomioka said today that there haven't been any similar recent bank robberies in San Francisco.
Police described the suspect as a white man, about 6 feet tall and 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue baseball cap with "SF" written on it, glasses, a khaki buttoned shirt and blue jeans.
Photos of the suspect are available at www.sfgov.org.
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Fights And Sex Offenders:
-3 men were stabbed during a fight at the End Up nightclub at 401 Sixth Street in SOMA, at around 6 a.m. Sunday morning. They are expected to survive, and no suspects were arrested.
-A man received life-threatening injuries during a fight at Market and Noe Streets, in the Castro District, at around 2:05 a.m. on Saturday. No suspects were arrested.
-A high-risk sex offender from Vallejo was arrested on Monday at O'Farrell and Polk Streets, in the Tenderloin. He has a previous record, and had a warrant out for his arrest for violating his parole. He had recently cut off his GPS tracking device, and had also been attempting to find a child between 8 and 13 years-old.
-A girl was approached by a suspicious man who told her to get into his car, as she walked to school in the Marina District on Monday morning.
-A man received life-threatening injuries during a fight at Market and Noe Streets, in the Castro District, at around 2:05 a.m. on Saturday. No suspects were arrested.
-A high-risk sex offender from Vallejo was arrested on Monday at O'Farrell and Polk Streets, in the Tenderloin. He has a previous record, and had a warrant out for his arrest for violating his parole. He had recently cut off his GPS tracking device, and had also been attempting to find a child between 8 and 13 years-old.
-A girl was approached by a suspicious man who told her to get into his car, as she walked to school in the Marina District on Monday morning.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Shootings Kill 3 Over The Weekend
Police believe 3 shootings were impulsive acts
Jaxon Van Derbeken, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
(04-20) 15:36 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- Three young men killed in San Francisco since Friday apparently were victims of spontaneous gun violence, police said Monday.
"These aren't gang-related - these are people out with guns," said Lt. Mike Stasko of the San Francisco Police Department's homicide detail. "The victims don't have criminal records as far as we know."
The first victim, Norris Bennett, 21, wanted to make something of his life - his dream was to start his own business and run a group home.
To fulfill his dream, he was taking business classes at San Francisco City College while working part time teaching recreational activities at a senior housing complex in Daly City.
After finishing his shift Friday afternoon, Bennett went to his neighborhood near Griffith Street and Navy Road in Bayview-Hunters Point.
He was shooting dice with friends when someone shot him at 4:40 p.m., police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
"He was a real good kid," said Marcelia Blue, a manager at the senior complex where Bennett worked since January and a friend of his family. "He was bright, he had a future - he wanted to own a group home and help teens."
Although police say they need help solving the killing, Blue wasn't optimistic they would get it. "Somebody knows something," she said, "but nobody is going to say nothing."
Alexander Apalit of Daly City was shot about 9:15 p.m. Saturday at Otsego and Santa Ynez avenues in the Mission Terrace neighborhood near Balboa Park. He died at San Francisco General Hospital.
Like Bennett, Apalit was 21 and had a job, working as an automotive technician. He also had started a business with his cousins, running party buses.
Saturday night, Apalit was in a car with friends who were being chased by a sedan described as similar to an Infinity Q35, with five people inside, police said.
A person who was in the four-door sedan with tinted windows opened fire, hitting Apalit, who was in the backseat.
Police are unsure whether the gunman got out or fired from inside the car. They also do not know why Apalit and his friends were being chased.
Police said his friends drove Apalit to St. Luke's Hospital, where doctors tried to stabilize him. The hospital is not equipped to handle patients with gunshot wounds, so Apalit was taken by ambulance to San Francisco General, where he died.
Shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday, James Jamonte Turner, 23, of Richmond was shot at Third and Folsom streets in the South of Market.
Three men were seen fleeing the scene, police said. Turner was taken to San Francisco General, where he died.
Turner was apparently with friends at the time of the attack. He may have been the victim of a robbery or gotten into an argument on the street, possibly after going to a nightclub, Stasko said.
No arrests have been made in any of the killings, and police said they need the public's help to identify suspects. They ask that anyone with information call the homicide detail at (415) 553-1145.
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Jaxon Van Derbeken, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
(04-20) 15:36 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- Three young men killed in San Francisco since Friday apparently were victims of spontaneous gun violence, police said Monday.
"These aren't gang-related - these are people out with guns," said Lt. Mike Stasko of the San Francisco Police Department's homicide detail. "The victims don't have criminal records as far as we know."
The first victim, Norris Bennett, 21, wanted to make something of his life - his dream was to start his own business and run a group home.
To fulfill his dream, he was taking business classes at San Francisco City College while working part time teaching recreational activities at a senior housing complex in Daly City.
After finishing his shift Friday afternoon, Bennett went to his neighborhood near Griffith Street and Navy Road in Bayview-Hunters Point.
He was shooting dice with friends when someone shot him at 4:40 p.m., police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
"He was a real good kid," said Marcelia Blue, a manager at the senior complex where Bennett worked since January and a friend of his family. "He was bright, he had a future - he wanted to own a group home and help teens."
Although police say they need help solving the killing, Blue wasn't optimistic they would get it. "Somebody knows something," she said, "but nobody is going to say nothing."
Alexander Apalit of Daly City was shot about 9:15 p.m. Saturday at Otsego and Santa Ynez avenues in the Mission Terrace neighborhood near Balboa Park. He died at San Francisco General Hospital.
Like Bennett, Apalit was 21 and had a job, working as an automotive technician. He also had started a business with his cousins, running party buses.
Saturday night, Apalit was in a car with friends who were being chased by a sedan described as similar to an Infinity Q35, with five people inside, police said.
A person who was in the four-door sedan with tinted windows opened fire, hitting Apalit, who was in the backseat.
Police are unsure whether the gunman got out or fired from inside the car. They also do not know why Apalit and his friends were being chased.
Police said his friends drove Apalit to St. Luke's Hospital, where doctors tried to stabilize him. The hospital is not equipped to handle patients with gunshot wounds, so Apalit was taken by ambulance to San Francisco General, where he died.
Shortly after 2 a.m. Saturday, James Jamonte Turner, 23, of Richmond was shot at Third and Folsom streets in the South of Market.
Three men were seen fleeing the scene, police said. Turner was taken to San Francisco General, where he died.
Turner was apparently with friends at the time of the attack. He may have been the victim of a robbery or gotten into an argument on the street, possibly after going to a nightclub, Stasko said.
No arrests have been made in any of the killings, and police said they need the public's help to identify suspects. They ask that anyone with information call the homicide detail at (415) 553-1145.
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Boy Killed In Visitacion Valley Shooting
Extra cops sent into S.F. project after slaying
John Koopman, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
(04-14) 12:26 PDT SAN FRANCISCO --
The San Francisco Police Department sent extra officers into the Sunnydale housing projects today following the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy late Monday.
Mark Crawford of San Francisco was shot about 10:15 p.m. on Blythedale Avenue near Hahn Street, about two blocks north of Geneva Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police spokesman Sgt. Wilfred Williams said Crawford was from the area but had recently moved away. He had come back for a visit when he was slain, Williams said.
No arrests have been reported in the slaying. Williams said it was unclear whether Crawford had any gang affiliations, or if there was another motive for the shooting.
There was little evidence of the shooting this morning, other than a wisp of yellow police tape floating in the breeze.
The neighborhood is poor, and there is significant drug and gang activity in the area. It is occasionally the scene of turf wars. The shooting occurred at the southern end of the housing projects.
Residents were reluctant to talk about the incident. A half-dozen police cars slowly cruised the area.
Officers said they knew little about the killing, but were on hand to try to prevent any further violence or retaliation.
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John Koopman, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
(04-14) 12:26 PDT SAN FRANCISCO --
The San Francisco Police Department sent extra officers into the Sunnydale housing projects today following the shooting death of a 16-year-old boy late Monday.
Mark Crawford of San Francisco was shot about 10:15 p.m. on Blythedale Avenue near Hahn Street, about two blocks north of Geneva Avenue. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police spokesman Sgt. Wilfred Williams said Crawford was from the area but had recently moved away. He had come back for a visit when he was slain, Williams said.
No arrests have been reported in the slaying. Williams said it was unclear whether Crawford had any gang affiliations, or if there was another motive for the shooting.
There was little evidence of the shooting this morning, other than a wisp of yellow police tape floating in the breeze.
The neighborhood is poor, and there is significant drug and gang activity in the area. It is occasionally the scene of turf wars. The shooting occurred at the southern end of the housing projects.
Residents were reluctant to talk about the incident. A half-dozen police cars slowly cruised the area.
Officers said they knew little about the killing, but were on hand to try to prevent any further violence or retaliation.
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Monday, April 13, 2009
Men Rob Excelsior District Bank
SF: ARMED MEN STORM EXCELSIOR DISTRICT BANK, PUNCH TELLERS, ESCAPE WITH CASH
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
Three armed men burst into a bank in San Francisco's Excelsior District Friday afternoon and punched two tellers before escaping with an undisclosed sum of money, authorities said today.
According to San Francisco police spokeswoman Sgt. Lyn Tomioka, three men wearing masks and gloves, and armed with handguns, entered the Sterling Bank & Trust at 4627 Mission St. at about 3:45 p.m. and demanded money.
Two bank tellers were punched before the men took the money and fled, according to police.
Tomioka said one of the tellers was treated at a hospital.
The Police Department's initial investigation led them several blocks away to the 100 block of Florentine Street near the city's southern border, but no arrests were made.
"It doesn't appear that was where anybody lived, but that's just where the first phase of the investigation led," she said.
The incident was San Francisco's first takeover robbery this year, FBI spokesman Joe Schadler said, adding that overall bank robberies in the city are down this year from last. The FBI is assisting San Francisco police in this investigation.
"Takeovers, for a big city like San Francisco, they really are very, very rare," said Tomioka.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
Three armed men burst into a bank in San Francisco's Excelsior District Friday afternoon and punched two tellers before escaping with an undisclosed sum of money, authorities said today.
According to San Francisco police spokeswoman Sgt. Lyn Tomioka, three men wearing masks and gloves, and armed with handguns, entered the Sterling Bank & Trust at 4627 Mission St. at about 3:45 p.m. and demanded money.
Two bank tellers were punched before the men took the money and fled, according to police.
Tomioka said one of the tellers was treated at a hospital.
The Police Department's initial investigation led them several blocks away to the 100 block of Florentine Street near the city's southern border, but no arrests were made.
"It doesn't appear that was where anybody lived, but that's just where the first phase of the investigation led," she said.
The incident was San Francisco's first takeover robbery this year, FBI spokesman Joe Schadler said, adding that overall bank robberies in the city are down this year from last. The FBI is assisting San Francisco police in this investigation.
"Takeovers, for a big city like San Francisco, they really are very, very rare," said Tomioka.
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Sunday, April 12, 2009
Man Injured In Hunters Point Shooting
SF Bayview Neighborhood Shooting Injures 1
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ―
A man was shot in San Francisco's Bayview neighborhood Sunday afternoon, according to the Police Department.
Shots were fired around 4:40 p.m. at Harbor and Northridge roads, where police found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, an officer said.
The man is expected to survive.
No suspects were arrested.
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Also, a man was shot in the hand, hip, and knee at McAllister and Fillmore Streets, at 9 a.m. Sunday Morning.
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ―
A man was shot in San Francisco's Bayview neighborhood Sunday afternoon, according to the Police Department.
Shots were fired around 4:40 p.m. at Harbor and Northridge roads, where police found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, an officer said.
The man is expected to survive.
No suspects were arrested.
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Also, a man was shot in the hand, hip, and knee at McAllister and Fillmore Streets, at 9 a.m. Sunday Morning.
Two Shootings Injure Six In The Mission And Excelsior Districts
2 SF Shootings Within 10 Minutes Hospitalize 6
San Francisco police are investigating two unrelated shooting incidents in the city that happened within 10 minutes of each other Sunday morning and left six people hospitalized.
The first incident was a drive-by shooting reported at about 2 a.m. near the intersection of Mission Street and Excelsior Avenue, according to police.
Two men were fired upon by a suspect in a vehicle that then fled the scene.
The victims suffered gunshot wounds, but they are not believed to be life-threatening, police said.
No information about the suspects or the vehicle was available as of 7 a.m., according to police.
Another shooting was reported at 2:07 a.m. and hospitalized four men, a 22-year-old, a 23-year-old, and two 29-year-olds, police said.
The shooting happened in the 500 block of Florida Street, according to police.
The victims saw a suspect, only described as a man between 20 and 25 years old, firing at them, police said.
After realizing they were shot, two of the victims transported themselves to San Francisco General Hospital, while the other two victims were taken to the hospital by ambulance.
All four victims were reported to be in stable condition Sunday morning, according to police.
No arrests have been made in connection with either shooting as of 7 a.m., police said.
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San Francisco police are investigating two unrelated shooting incidents in the city that happened within 10 minutes of each other Sunday morning and left six people hospitalized.
The first incident was a drive-by shooting reported at about 2 a.m. near the intersection of Mission Street and Excelsior Avenue, according to police.
Two men were fired upon by a suspect in a vehicle that then fled the scene.
The victims suffered gunshot wounds, but they are not believed to be life-threatening, police said.
No information about the suspects or the vehicle was available as of 7 a.m., according to police.
Another shooting was reported at 2:07 a.m. and hospitalized four men, a 22-year-old, a 23-year-old, and two 29-year-olds, police said.
The shooting happened in the 500 block of Florida Street, according to police.
The victims saw a suspect, only described as a man between 20 and 25 years old, firing at them, police said.
After realizing they were shot, two of the victims transported themselves to San Francisco General Hospital, while the other two victims were taken to the hospital by ambulance.
All four victims were reported to be in stable condition Sunday morning, according to police.
No arrests have been made in connection with either shooting as of 7 a.m., police said.
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Man Stabbed In The Marina
SF: MAN STABBED IN ALTERCATION, GROUP OF SUSPECTS DETAINED
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A group of suspects have been detained after a man was stabbed in San Francisco's Marina District Saturday night, according to police.
The stabbing was reported at about 11:15 p.m. in the 1900 block of Lombard Street, police said.
The incident began as a physical altercation between a group of people and weapons ended up being used, according to police.
A victim received a stab wound to the left side of his stomach and was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, police said. Another person involved in the altercation was hospitalized with heavy bruises.
A group of suspects have been detained in connection with the stabbing, but no other suspect information was available as of 12:30 a.m., according to police.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A group of suspects have been detained after a man was stabbed in San Francisco's Marina District Saturday night, according to police.
The stabbing was reported at about 11:15 p.m. in the 1900 block of Lombard Street, police said.
The incident began as a physical altercation between a group of people and weapons ended up being used, according to police.
A victim received a stab wound to the left side of his stomach and was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening, police said. Another person involved in the altercation was hospitalized with heavy bruises.
A group of suspects have been detained in connection with the stabbing, but no other suspect information was available as of 12:30 a.m., according to police.
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Thursday, April 9, 2009
Two Injured In North Beach Drive-By Shooting
Two men injured in drive-by shooting at strip club
By Will Reisman
Examiner Staff Writer 4/9/09
SAN FRANCISCO – Two men were hospitalized after they were shot in a drive-by shooting at a strip club in North Beach early Thursday morning.
The shooting occurred at about 1 a.m. on the 400 block of Broadway Street, according to the San Francisco Police Department.
One of the men was shot while he was standing outside of the strip club, while the other was struck while he was inside the establishment, police said. They did not release the name of the strip club where the shooting occurred.
Both men were transferred to San Francisco General Hospital, but their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening, according to police.
No suspects have been arrested and the case is under investigation. There was no information available about the make or model of the car involved in the shooting.
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By Will Reisman
Examiner Staff Writer 4/9/09
SAN FRANCISCO – Two men were hospitalized after they were shot in a drive-by shooting at a strip club in North Beach early Thursday morning.
The shooting occurred at about 1 a.m. on the 400 block of Broadway Street, according to the San Francisco Police Department.
One of the men was shot while he was standing outside of the strip club, while the other was struck while he was inside the establishment, police said. They did not release the name of the strip club where the shooting occurred.
Both men were transferred to San Francisco General Hospital, but their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening, according to police.
No suspects have been arrested and the case is under investigation. There was no information available about the make or model of the car involved in the shooting.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Family Sues City Over Excelsior Triple Homicide
Family Sues SF Over Triple Killing Of Father, Sons
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ―
Attorneys for the surviving family members of a father and two sons fatally shot in San Francisco's Excelsior district in 2008 have filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging its sanctuary policy contributed to their deaths.
Edwin Ramos, a 22-year-old suspected member of the MS-13 street gang, is being held without bail for allegedly fatally shooting Anthony "Tony" Bologna, 48, and his sons Michael, 20, and Matthew, 16, on June 22.
The three were found shot inside their car. Police have said they may have been mistaken for rival gang members.
In a lawsuit filed Friday in San Francisco Superior Court, the Bologna family alleges the city's "illegal sanctuary policies were a substantial factor" in the killings.
The lawsuit claims Ramos was in the country illegally, had a history of violence and several prior contacts with San Francisco police as a minor, but the sanctuary policy kept police and juvenile probation officers from reporting him to federal immigration authorities for deportation.
"What we're saying is that the city adopted and enforced a policy that was actually inconsistent with and prohibited by federal law," Michael Kelly, an attorney for the Bologna family, said Tuesday.
Kelly said if the case goes to trial, a jury would decide to what extent the city was responsible for the deaths.
The city attorney's office declined to comment on the case. A statement from Mayor Gavin Newsom's office also declined to address the case specifically.
"I am deeply sympathetic to the Bologna family's devastating loss," said Newsom in the statement. "A terrible crime was committed and my heart goes out to the family."
Ramos faces three counts of murder and multiple special allegations involving gang membership, firearm use and multiple murders that could result in life in prison without parole, and is still awaiting trial.
A preliminary hearing in the criminal case is scheduled for May.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) ―
Attorneys for the surviving family members of a father and two sons fatally shot in San Francisco's Excelsior district in 2008 have filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging its sanctuary policy contributed to their deaths.
Edwin Ramos, a 22-year-old suspected member of the MS-13 street gang, is being held without bail for allegedly fatally shooting Anthony "Tony" Bologna, 48, and his sons Michael, 20, and Matthew, 16, on June 22.
The three were found shot inside their car. Police have said they may have been mistaken for rival gang members.
In a lawsuit filed Friday in San Francisco Superior Court, the Bologna family alleges the city's "illegal sanctuary policies were a substantial factor" in the killings.
The lawsuit claims Ramos was in the country illegally, had a history of violence and several prior contacts with San Francisco police as a minor, but the sanctuary policy kept police and juvenile probation officers from reporting him to federal immigration authorities for deportation.
"What we're saying is that the city adopted and enforced a policy that was actually inconsistent with and prohibited by federal law," Michael Kelly, an attorney for the Bologna family, said Tuesday.
Kelly said if the case goes to trial, a jury would decide to what extent the city was responsible for the deaths.
The city attorney's office declined to comment on the case. A statement from Mayor Gavin Newsom's office also declined to address the case specifically.
"I am deeply sympathetic to the Bologna family's devastating loss," said Newsom in the statement. "A terrible crime was committed and my heart goes out to the family."
Ramos faces three counts of murder and multiple special allegations involving gang membership, firearm use and multiple murders that could result in life in prison without parole, and is still awaiting trial.
A preliminary hearing in the criminal case is scheduled for May.
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Monday, April 6, 2009
Man Arrested For Brother's Death In The Western Addition
Man arrested in death of his brother
Jaxon Van Derbeken, Chronicle Staff Writer
Monday, April 6, 2009
(04-06) 17:59 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco police have arrested a man stemming from the one-punch death of his brother last week in the Western Addition, authorities said today.
Michael Cavness, 46, is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on a charge of manslaughter for allegedly striking his older brother Edward Cavness, 48, in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement.
The incident occurred Thursday and Edward Cavness died Friday at San Francisco General Hospital. Police say they have unable to determine what the dispute was about.
Both men lived with their mother in her Western Addition home. Michael lived in the garage and Edward lived upstairs. Both men were unemployed and had criminal histories.
The incident occurred outside the home and was witnessed by a cousin, said Lt. Mike Stasko of the homicide detail.
Katherine Cavness said Monday she has no idea what triggered the fight between her sons. She declined further comment.
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Jaxon Van Derbeken, Chronicle Staff Writer
Monday, April 6, 2009
(04-06) 17:59 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco police have arrested a man stemming from the one-punch death of his brother last week in the Western Addition, authorities said today.
Michael Cavness, 46, is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on a charge of manslaughter for allegedly striking his older brother Edward Cavness, 48, in the face, causing him to fall and hit his head on the pavement.
The incident occurred Thursday and Edward Cavness died Friday at San Francisco General Hospital. Police say they have unable to determine what the dispute was about.
Both men lived with their mother in her Western Addition home. Michael lived in the garage and Edward lived upstairs. Both men were unemployed and had criminal histories.
The incident occurred outside the home and was witnessed by a cousin, said Lt. Mike Stasko of the homicide detail.
Katherine Cavness said Monday she has no idea what triggered the fight between her sons. She declined further comment.
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Saturday, April 4, 2009
3 Women Sentenced In Robbery And Murder of Russian Immigrant
3 women get prison in slaying of immigrant
Jaxon Van Derbeken, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, April 4, 2009
A San Francisco judge sentenced three women to prison terms ranging from eight years to 21 years Friday in the slaying of a Russian immigrant they had lured to an isolated area, robbed and shot in the head.
Kimberly Gutierrez, 21, who prosecutors said pulled the trigger, was sentenced to 21 years in prison in the death of Eugene Gorenman, 26, of San Francisco, who was found dead near a gun battery at Fort Funston on March 29, 2004.
Guiterrez was 16 at the time but was charged as an adult with murder. She entered a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter as part of a settlement in the case. She could have faced 25 years to life if convicted of murder.
Felicia Mehrara, 21, was also a juvenile at the time of the killing but was also charged as an adult. She was sentenced to eight years in prison for voluntary manslaughter by Judge Jerome Benson.
A third defendant, Jillian McIlvenna, 24, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Police homicide investigators traced the use of one of Gorenman's credit cards to McIlvenna.
Gorenman was a Russian immigrant who grew up in Walnut Creek, graduated from UC Berkeley and worked as a computer engineer with Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
In a statement to the court, Gorenman's parents called the defendants "human filth" and "vicious savages."
"For a mere 20 dollars he was murdered without the slightest regard for his life, promise of future, his family and friends," they said.
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Jaxon Van Derbeken, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, April 4, 2009
A San Francisco judge sentenced three women to prison terms ranging from eight years to 21 years Friday in the slaying of a Russian immigrant they had lured to an isolated area, robbed and shot in the head.
Kimberly Gutierrez, 21, who prosecutors said pulled the trigger, was sentenced to 21 years in prison in the death of Eugene Gorenman, 26, of San Francisco, who was found dead near a gun battery at Fort Funston on March 29, 2004.
Guiterrez was 16 at the time but was charged as an adult with murder. She entered a guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter as part of a settlement in the case. She could have faced 25 years to life if convicted of murder.
Felicia Mehrara, 21, was also a juvenile at the time of the killing but was also charged as an adult. She was sentenced to eight years in prison for voluntary manslaughter by Judge Jerome Benson.
A third defendant, Jillian McIlvenna, 24, was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
Police homicide investigators traced the use of one of Gorenman's credit cards to McIlvenna.
Gorenman was a Russian immigrant who grew up in Walnut Creek, graduated from UC Berkeley and worked as a computer engineer with Pacific Gas and Electric Co.
In a statement to the court, Gorenman's parents called the defendants "human filth" and "vicious savages."
"For a mere 20 dollars he was murdered without the slightest regard for his life, promise of future, his family and friends," they said.
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Thursday, April 2, 2009
SFPD Warns Of Extortion Attempts
SF: POLICE WARN OF EXTORTION ATTEMPTS ON CHINESE BUSINESSES
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
San Francisco police today warned of attempts to extort Chinese businesses by someone demanding tens of thousands to help relatives allegedly jailed in China.
According to police, businesses are being phoned by a Mandarin-speaking man claiming he needs $20,000 to $30,000 to release his brother from a Chinese jail.
The man threatens physical harm if the money is not paid, but doesn't detail how the money is to be paid, police said.
Police said 15 cases have so far been reported in San Francisco, and about 60 similar cases have been reported in San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale and Milpitas.
The San Francisco Police Department's gang task force is cooperating with other law enforcement, including the FBI's Asian Organized Crime Squad, in the investigation, police and the FBI said.
Anyone receiving such a phone call is asked to contact San Francisco police Inspector Jameson Pon at (415) 553-9221 or the anonymous tip line (415) 575-4444.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
San Francisco police today warned of attempts to extort Chinese businesses by someone demanding tens of thousands to help relatives allegedly jailed in China.
According to police, businesses are being phoned by a Mandarin-speaking man claiming he needs $20,000 to $30,000 to release his brother from a Chinese jail.
The man threatens physical harm if the money is not paid, but doesn't detail how the money is to be paid, police said.
Police said 15 cases have so far been reported in San Francisco, and about 60 similar cases have been reported in San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale and Milpitas.
The San Francisco Police Department's gang task force is cooperating with other law enforcement, including the FBI's Asian Organized Crime Squad, in the investigation, police and the FBI said.
Anyone receiving such a phone call is asked to contact San Francisco police Inspector Jameson Pon at (415) 553-9221 or the anonymous tip line (415) 575-4444.
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Man To Stand Trial For 2007 Murder, Sexual Assaults
SF: MAN ACCUSED OF FATALLY STABBING GIRLFRIEND IN 2007 TO STAND TRIAL
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A San Francisco Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday that a 32-year-old man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death in 2007 should stand trial for murder.
Umar Hudson, of San Francisco, is also accused of sexually assaulting the two young daughters of the girlfriend, 32-year-old Jernell Scott, in 2006 and 2007.
One of the daughters reported the alleged crimes in February 2007. On April 6 of that year, Hudson allegedly stabbed Scott 39 times, prosecutors said.
The stabbing happened in the 900 block of Ellsworth Street, according to police. Hudson was arrested later that night.
Hudson now faces trial on one count of murder and four counts of sexual assault, according to the district attorney's office.
Hudson remains in custody on $10 million bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court on April 15.
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SAN FRANCISCO (BCN)
A San Francisco Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday that a 32-year-old man accused of stabbing his girlfriend to death in 2007 should stand trial for murder.
Umar Hudson, of San Francisco, is also accused of sexually assaulting the two young daughters of the girlfriend, 32-year-old Jernell Scott, in 2006 and 2007.
One of the daughters reported the alleged crimes in February 2007. On April 6 of that year, Hudson allegedly stabbed Scott 39 times, prosecutors said.
The stabbing happened in the 900 block of Ellsworth Street, according to police. Hudson was arrested later that night.
Hudson now faces trial on one count of murder and four counts of sexual assault, according to the district attorney's office.
Hudson remains in custody on $10 million bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court on April 15.
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