SFPD Homicide Detail Leads Investigation after Victim Succumbs to Injuries #26-006

On January 11, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., San Francisco Police officers responded to the 300 block of Ellis Street regarding an assault.

Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male victim suffering from injuries associated with a possible assault. Officers rendered aid and requested paramedics to the scene. Paramedics arrived on scene and transported the victim to a local hospital for life-threatening injuries.

While on scene, officers located a suspect matching the description provided near the area of Ellis and Jones Streets and detained the suspect without incident.

Officers developed probable cause to arrest the suspect identified as 33-year-old Willie Smith of San Rafael, CA. Smith was booked and transported to San Francisco County Jail for aggravated assault (245 (a)(4) PC) and possession of drug paraphernalia (11364(a) HS).

On 01/17/2026, the victim succumbed to their injuries and was declared deceased at the hospital.

The San Francisco Homicide Detail is now leading this investigation. 

Although an arrest has been made, this is an open and active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the SFPD at 1-415-575-4444 or Text-A-Tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

SFPD CASE# 260-020-060