A man has been convicted by a San Francisco jury for the vandalism of a SOMA neighborhood mural, according to the District Attorney's office. Nile Washington, age 33, faced charges from an incident on May 30, 2024, where he left a mural valued at $10,000 in ruins.
The announcement made by San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, highlights the seriousness with which her office approaches property defacement, after the jury delivered a guilty verdict on charges of vandalism with two priors under Penal Code 594.7, and possession of graffiti tools under Penal Code 594.2(a), according to a statement obtained by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. In a moment underscoring the city's stance against such transgressions, Jenkins said, “Vandals take note – this behavior will not be tolerated or condoned in San Francisco.” The conviction sends a clear message to potential offenders that the community holds dear the aesthetic sanctity of its public spaces.
On the night of the incident, acting on a tip-off from a 911 caller, police officers witnessed Washington in the act of spray painting the mural at 155 12th Street; he attempted to evade arrest and was only apprehended after a pursuit spanning two blocks. In his possession, authorities found evidence consistent with the crime, including three cans of aerosol spray paint and painter's gloves, with the mural's fresh paint reeking of aerosol, betraying the recent infliction of damage.
Assistant District Attorney Matt Donahue led the prosecution's successful case, with paralegal Sara Wong and IT specialists Morris Moore and Leland Chan lending their support. The development of this case was based on the responsive measures and investigative efforts by the San Francisco Police Department’s Southern Station. "It is essential to hold people accountable for destroying public art and private property in San Francisco,” Donahue stated, emphasizing civic duty and the importance of reporting graffiti incidents to authorities, and thanked the jury for their careful deliberation in this matter.
