San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that Lewis Jefferson Butler (23), was charged in connection to a fatal Tenderloin shooting. He was arraigned on April 17, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied the allegation. Mr. Butler is charged with murder (PC 187(a)) with an allegation that he personally and intentionally used a firearm in the commission of the murder (PC 12022.53(d), felon in possession of a firearm (PC 29800(a)(1)), resisting arrest (PC 148(a)(1)) and battery on a peace officer (PC 243(b)).

According to court documents, on April 14, 2025, at approximately 5:30pm, SFPD responded to the area of Mason Street and Turk Street regarding a shooting. SFPD located the victim, laying on the sidewalk and suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Despite life saving measures, the victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Numerous witnesses were in the area of the alleged murder and provided SFPD with a description of the shooter. Within minutes, and blocks, SFPD attempted to detain Mr. Butler who allegedly took off running. Eventually, Mr. Butler was arrested near Market and 6th Street. San Francisco Police recovered a firearm in the path of the foot pursuit. During the arrest, Mr. Butler allegedly resisted and kicked an officer.

Mr. Butler is currently in custody. The District Attorney’s Office moved to have him detained pending trial due to the public safety risk he poses. The court granted the motion to detain pending trial without prejudice. His next court date is April 29, 2025, for the preliminary hearing in this matter.

Although charges have been filed, and this case is being handled by the San Francisco District Attorney’s Homicide Unit, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.

Court Number: 25008087

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