Suspect is charged with making criminal threats and shouting racial epithets toward a Black and Latina victim

San Francisco, CA –  Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that John Killops (60) has been charged with felony making criminal threats (PC 422) with an allegation that this was a hate crime (PC 422.75(a)) in connection with an incident in Dolores Park. Killops is alleged to have chased a woman through the park while shouting racial epithets and threatening to kill the victim. The victim identifies as Black and Latina.

“Unfortunately, there are people in San Francisco who harbor hate and animus towards others because of the color of their skin or who they are,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “No one should face threats, violence, or discrimination because of who they are period. Hate crimes have been a constant threat against a variety of communities in San Francisco, and we shall seek justice in this case and work to hold Mr. Killops accountable for his actions.”

Mr. Killops has been in custody since his arrest on February 19, 2023. Prosecutors will seek pre-trial detention in this case because of the public safety risk he poses. Mr. Killops is scheduled to be arraigned today, Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 10 of the Hall of Justice. He faces six years in State Prison if convicted of making criminal threats and the hate crime allegation is found to be true.

Hate Crime enhancements were filed in this case because prosecutors have evidence that the crime was motivated by animus towards Black people, and if proven, will add additional time to the defendant’s sentence. The hate crime allegation requires proving that the underlying crime was committed because of the victim’s actual or perceived disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or association with a person or group with one or more of those actual or perceived characteristics.

Prosecution of this case will be handled by the new Vulnerable Victims Unit established by District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. The Vulnerable Victims Unit oversees prosecutions of crimes perpetrated against vulnerable victims, which includes victims of hate crimes and most cases involving victims of physical or financial abuse over the age of 65. 

Although, charges have been filed, 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: 23002595

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