A jury convicted Patrick Jackson of first-degree murder for killing man in a 2019 shooting.
San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that her office secured a first-degree murder conviction of Patrick Jackson after trial by jury. Jackson shot and killed an unarmed Richard Ponce in the South of Market neighborhood on July 7, 2019. The victim was shot twice and left to die on Bonifacio Street. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene by paramedics Ponce died on the street. Jackson was arrested on September 11, 2019, following an investigation into the July 7 murder. The jury reached a guilty verdict on October 4, 2022. The jury also found true an allegation that a gun was used during the course of the murder.
“We thank the jury for their attention and thoughtfulness in this case and our team for their hard work to help deliver justice for Mr. Ponce’s family,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “We have lost far too many lives as a result of gun violence, and we are committed to seeking justice for our victim’s families. This verdict affirms our community’s commitment to holding our most dangerous offenders accountable.”
The case against Jackson was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Sean Connolly and Courtney Burris. Investigators from the San Francisco Police Department’s Homicide Unit led the investigation and worked with the prosecutors to develop the case against Jackson.
“There are no winners in cases like these,” said Assistant District Attorney Sean Connolly. “I am grateful to the jury for holding the defendant accountable for Mr. Ponce’s death. I am hopeful that the verdict will bring some degree of closure to his family and send a message that senseless gun violence will not be tolerated.”
“Richard Ponce, just four days shy of his 21st birthday, did not deserve to die,” said Assistant District Attorney Courtney Burris. “I am grateful for the jurors who accepted the duty to serve on this trial and for their thoughtful deliberation which allowed justice to prevail. Although, the guilty verdict will not bring Mr. Ponce back, it is my hope that this verdict will offer some degree of comfort to his family as they continue to endure his painful loss.”
Jackson has been in custody since his arrest. He will be sentenced at a future date not yet set. He faces a sentence of fifty years to life imprisonment.
Court Number: 19014356