James Rickleffs
The San Francisco Examiner is reporting that a suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of 28-year-old Steven "Eriq" Escalon. The suspect is a 45-year-old parolee named James Rickleffs. His appearance matches the description given by several witnesses who saw the pair leave a bar in the Castro on June 11th where they took a cab back to Eriq's apartment in Diamond Heights. One of the witnesses identified Rickleffs as the suspect.
Steven "Eriq" Escalon
Eriq was found dead by his roommate in their apartment on June 12th at approximately 6PM. Several valuables including a TV, laptop and financial documents were found missing and some of these items were located in Rickleffs possession when he was contacted by police. Eriq was a hair dresser down at Metamorphosis Salon and was a member of the Concord Blue Devils Color Guard who have setup a memorial Facebook page where they are raising money for a scholarship in his honor.
Police are asking for ANY information from ANYBODY who may know, have hung out, seen or gone on a date with Rickleffs in recent months. Here is a link to the SF Police Department's contact page which inlcudes their non-emergency phone number and a link to their anonymous tip lines.
Please be careful out there and if you have any information, contact the police.
