Tragedy struck the Tenderloin District as San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officers responded to a fatal shooting incident yesterday. The crime occurred near Turk and Mason Streets around 5:30 p.m., as reported by the San Francisco Police Department. Officers found the victim with a gunshot wound and attempted life-saving measures. However, despite these efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

SFPD officers arrested a suspect in this evening’s homicide in the Tenderloin District. This remains an ongoing investigation. Statement ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/e4yBMHKzu7

— San Francisco Police (@SFPD) April 15, 2025

Following the incident, SFPD officers arrested a suspect in connection with the homicide. The department's Homicide Detail is conducting an ongoing investigation. They request that anyone with information contact them at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 with the message beginning with SFPD.

The victim was identified by his mother as 27-year-old Leaotis. In a heart-wrenching interview reported by KTVU, his mother, Ms. Martin, said, "He have a daughter. She only 7 or 8 and he loved his mama and he was a good kid. He was very smart, he knew everything about the Bible, so that’s why I know God got my son."

Witness accounts detailed that the shooting took place outside Diya, an Indian restaurant. A worker from the establishment stressed that the victim was not a customer there, indicating randomness to the site chosen for the violence. Police have not provided details on what led up to the shooting. However, witnesses observed a suspect entering The Warfield through a side entrance after the incident. Later, a person was detained at the venue. The police have yet to confirm if this individual is the suspected shooter.

This latest incident marks the fifth homicide in San Francisco in 2025, exposing the challenges still facing the Tenderloin in terms of public safety. District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood was on the scene and shared with KTVU, "We're not out of the woods yet. We still have work to do." Mahmood underlined the need for a fully staffed police department, citing a current shortfall of 500 officers, and mentioned ongoing efforts to fill this gap to improve residents' sense of security.