San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that the Honorable Judge Eric Flemming sentenced Dennis Duree (41) to a term of 100 years to life in State Prison following his conviction for murder and other crimes in connection to a fatal stabbing that occurred on the 1300 block of Mission Street on December 18, 2023.

“Justice has been served for the victim who was killed and the victim who survived,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “This sentence reflects the gravity of Mr. Duree’s crimes and holds him accountable. Although nothing can undo his crimes and the subsequent pain and anguish the family and friends of the victims have endured, I hope this sentence brings them some comfort as they work to heal from this trauma.”

Mr. Duree was convicted of first-degree murder (PC 187(a)) with an allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon in the commission of the murder found true. He was also convicted of first-degree attempted murder (PC 664/187), with an allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon found true, and assault with a deadly weapon (PC 245(a)(1)).

According to testimony and other evidence presented at trial, on December 28, 2023, at approximately 5:38 a.m., near the intersection of Washburn Alley and Mission Street, Mr. Duree stabbed and killed Brandon Mitchell and stabbed and injured a woman. Prior to the incident, the victims had set up an encampment on the sidewalk on the 1300 block of Mission Street near where Mr. Duree had been loitering for hours. Mr. Duree joined the victims, whom he was acquainted with, on a mattress that had been set up on the sidewalk. He then began to smoke “dope” and kept falling asleep and dropping his “dope.” He then began repeatedly accusing the victims of taking his dope. Immediately prior to the killing, Mr. Duree walked away and spoke to an unidentified suspect in a nearby alley. He then returned to Mission Street where he fatally stabbed Mr. Mitchell and then stabbed and injured the other victim.

The case against Mr. Duree was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan King, with assistance from District Attorney Investigators Douglass Keeley, paralegals Jessica Diamond, Julio Flores Guzman. Victim Advocate Ruben Marquez worked closely with the victim’s family through the pendency of this case. The case was solved and successfully prosecuted as a result of the thorough investigation of the San Francisco Police Department’s Homicide Unit.

“This sentence holds the defendant accountable for his heinous and senseless acts of violence,” said Assistant District Attorney Ryan King. “The victims’ families showed great strength and patience during this process. We hope the verdict and sentence brings them a sense of closure and peace.”

Court Number: 2400559

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