Sponsored link
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Sponsored link

Why is the SF DA trying a 14-year-old as an adult?

By Tim Redmond

On June 24, 2103, an SUV pulled up near a Muni shelter at West Point Road and Middle Point Road in Hunters Point. According to video images later collected by the police, someone got out of the vehicle, and, standing near the rear of it, fired 23 shots with a 9 millimeter gun into the shelter, killing Jaquan Rice, 19, and injuring his 17-year-old girlfriend.

The shooting may have been gang-related, although police still aren’t sure of a motive. But they’re convinced that Derrick Hunter, 19, and a 14-year-old we’ll call Q, were in the car, and they, along with Lee Sullivan, 22, are charged with murder, conspiracy, and a series of related felonies.

And despite what can only be called shaky evidence, presented by two homicide officers whose actions were unorthodox, and whose accounts were sometimes contradictory and often strained credulity, Judge Andrew Cheng ruled Jan. 3 that Q should be held for trial – as an adult.

That’s right: In San Francisco, where the district attorney claims to be a progressive, seeking humane approaches to criminal justice, a 14-year-old boy is facing hard time — as an adult.

“I don’t think that’s ever happened in San Francisco,” public defender Jeff Adachi told me. “At the very least, it’s extremely rare. And it’s outrageous that this child would be tried as an adult.” (more after the jump)

Marke B.
Marke B.
Marke Bieschke is the publisher and arts and culture editor of 48 Hills. He co-owns the Stud bar in SoMa. Reach him at marke (at) 48hills.org, follow @supermarke on Twitter.

48 Hills welcomes comments in the form of letters to the editor, which you can submit here. We also invite you to join the conversation on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Sponsored link

Sponsored link
Sponsored link

Latest

‘An everlasting effect’: UK soul legend Omar on the 5 LPs he can’t live without

Latest album 'Brighter the Days' displays the innovator's versatility—as do favorite selections from Stevie to YMO.

Win free tickets to these awesome DNA Lounge shows

Metal supergroup Nefarious, KISS tribute band Destroyer, and Micromania Wrestling are all on the menu.

Itching to be a reporter? Sign up for classes now at City College

Learn from great local instructors: Register now for fall 2025 journalism courses—tuition-free for SF residents.

Tests for the supes: The budget, protecting rent-controlled housing ….

... and an RV ban that could force families onto the streets. That's The Agenda for July 13-20

You might also likeRELATED