Bay Area/ San Francisco/ Crime & Emergencies
Published on March 21, 2019
Man stabbed to death in broad daylight at Fisherman's WharfPhoto: Google Maps

On Wednesday afternoon, a man was stabbed to death at the busy intersection of Jefferson and Taylor streets, near the famous sign marking the entrance to Fisherman's Wharf. 

The victim, identified by police as Brook Pettyjohn, 40, was found on the sidewalk at approximately 1:45 p.m. with apparent stab wounds. He was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Acting on tips from witnesses, members of SFPD's Central Station plainclothes team and Fisherman’s Wharf foot beat arrested a suspect in the case two blocks away, at Taylor and North Point streets.

Bruce Edward Penn, a 56-year-old San Francisco resident, was booked on charges of murder and four counts of assault with a deadly non-firearm weapon. No bond or court date has been set, and his booking photo has not yet been released.

In a statement, SFPD said that both the suspect and the victim were known to frequent the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

Pettyjohn's father told the Chronicle that his son had been addicted to drugs and alcohol, and was estranged from his family. He had been living on the streets of San Francisco for at least two years prior to his death. 


While an arrest has been made, this remains an open and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call SFPD's 24-hour tip line at (415) 575-4444, or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.