A jury convicted Clifford Stokes for the murder of Ahmed Yusufi

San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that her office secured a first-degree murder (PC 187) conviction of Clifford Stokes (39) after trial by jury. Stokes was also convicted of robbery (PC 211), attempted robbery (PC 664/211), shooting into an occupied vehicle (PC 246) and felon in possession of a firearm (PC 29800(a)(1)). Stokes killed Ahmed Yusufi early in the morning of November 28, 2021 while he and his passenger were in a parked car near the intersection of Potrero Avenue and Cesar Chavez Street. Stokes pulled up next to them, exited his car, and then pointed a handgun at Yusufi and the passenger and demanded money. In fear for their lives, each attempted to turn over their property to Stokes. Stokes shot and killed Yusufi before he was able to give over his property.

“Stokes’ callous, unprovoked killing of an unarmed man during a robbery is heartbreaking and specifically the type of violent crime that we must prosecute to the fullest extent of the law,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “This verdict delivers justice for Mr. Yusufi’s family and a wake-up call to perpetrators; we as a community reject violence and will ensure that perpetrators face consequences.”

The case against Stokes was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Ryan King with assistance from paralegals Jessica Diamond and Tony Yu. Victim Advocate Maria Reynoso worked closely with the victim’s family throughout the case. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Stokes based on the careful investigation work performed by the San Francisco Police Department’s Homicide investigators. DAI Investigators Tim Weaver and Chris Mufarreh also helped develop this case and assisted prosecutors.

“I want to thank the jury for their service and care in reaching this decision,” said Ryan King, Assistant District Attorney. “While nothing can bring Ahmad Yusufi back to his family, I hope that this verdict brings them a sense of closure and justice.”
Stokes has been in custody since his arrest on December 16, 2021. He faces fifty years to life in prison. Sentencing will be determined at a future court date, which has not been set.

Court Number: 21012578

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