San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Johnny Avila (35), after a trial by jury for a non-fatal shooting incident in the SOMA district. Mr. Avila was convicted of Attempted Voluntary Manslaughter. The jury found true allegations that Mr. Avila Personally Used a Firearm and that he inflicted Great Bodily Injury on the victim.
“I would like to thank the jury for their service on this trial,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “We must continue to reduce gun violence in our city and this verdict is one step further in demonstrating that there will be accountability for those who choose to engage in it.”
According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, in the late the afternoon of October 23, 2022, the victim was in an improvised structure constructed in the corner of a parking lot near Mission Street and Laskie Street. At approximately 5:35 p.m., Mr. Avila approached the structure with a loaded firearm and spoke with the victim. As the two spoke, the victim made a phone call and looked back, away from Mr. Avila. As he looked away, Mr. Avila withdrew a firearm, extended the firearm toward the victim’s exposed neck, and fired a single shot into the victim’s left, upper chest, at the base of the neck. The victim immediately collapsed.
While the victim lay motionless on the ground, Mr. Avila stood over him for about 20 seconds before attempting to move his lifeless body to enter the structure. As he moved the victim’s body and entered the structure, the victim’s boyfriend, entered the parking lot, discovered the victim lying on the ground bleeding from the gunshot wound, and immediately called 911. Mr. Avila then then fled the scene.
San Francisco Police and paramedics arrived and began prompt medical treatment. Paramedics were able to resuscitate the victim prior to arriving at San Francisco General Hospital. At the hospital, doctors performed lifesaving surgery.
The case against Mr. Avila was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Joseph La Herran with assistance from the Victim Advocate Tony Leung as well as paralegals Andres Hernandez, Sara Wong and Jen Java. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Mr. Aviles based upon San Francisco Police Department Officer’s thorough investigation and assistance.
“Th victim was lulled into a false sense of security and then shot at point blank range, changing his life forever.” said Assistant District Attorney Joseph La Herran. “I am grateful for the jury holding Mr. Avila accountable for his actions and giving the victim Jordan Edwards the closure and justice he deserved.”
Mr. Avila is currently in custody. Sentencing is set for February 24, 2026.
Court Number: 22012846
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