San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that her office secured a first-degree murder (PC 187(a)) conviction of Min Jian Guan (63) after trial by jury. Guan was also convicted of elder abuse (PC 368(b)(1)). Mr. Guan beat a 79-year-old woman with a baseball bat and lit her on fire while she was still alive at her home in the 400 block of 16th Avenue in the Richmond District. The beating was partially captured on Zoom and seen by a witness participating in a virtual class with the victim who reported seeing the victim get knocked down and hit.
“This was a horrific and brutal killing. While nothing can bring the victim back to her family, I hope that this verdict brings them a sense of closure and justice,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “The jury’s verdict also sends a strong message that those who commit violence in our community will be held accountable.”
The case against Mr. Guan was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Leigh Frazier with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Justine Cephus, paralegals Jessica Diamond and Tony Yu and IT support from Leland Chan and Ada Yu. Victim Advocate Maria Reynoso worked closely with the victim’s family throughout the case. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Guan based on the careful investigative work performed by the San Francisco Police Department’s Homicide investigators.
“The defendant targeted a vulnerable 79-year-old with a campaign of abuse and harassment culminating in her death,” said Assistant District Attorney Leigh Frazier. “I am pleased the jury has held him accountable for his actions.”
Mr. Guan has been in custody since his arrest on June 17, 2020. He faces 25 years to life in State Prison. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2023.
Court Number: 20007040
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