Following a recent jury trial, San Francisco resident William Haskins, 33, has been convicted on multiple charges, including battery, brandishing a deadly weapon, and breach of court orders. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins's office brought the case to a close today. "I would like to thank the jury for their service on this trial," said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, emphasizing the gravity of respecting restraining orders. "Compliance with restraining orders is not optional," she stated in a statement, per the San Francisco District Attorney's Office.
As per the evidence presented in court, on October 4, 2022, a criminal protective order was set in place by the Superior Court of San Francisco ordering Haskins to steer clear 150 yards from the protected party and their residency. Not adhering to the order, on August 19, 2023, Haskins was reported for an assault where he assaulted and kicked down the door of the protected party. The responding officers encountered resistance from Haskins, who reacted by biting and spitting on one of them.
The jury found Haskins guilty after he had brandished scissors during a confrontation on May 20, 2024, despite an active criminal protective order meant to shield the victim from his approach. Assistant District Attorney Patrick McKuin spearheaded the prosecution, with help from a team including District Attorney Investigator Dana Lee and paralegals Lena Ku and Lorreta Luu, as detailed in the announcement by District Attorney Jenkins's office.
Reflecting on the perilous nature of responding to domestic violence cases, Assistant District Attorney Patrick McKuin said, "It is always dangerous for officers to respond to domestic violence calls, and this verdict holds Mr. Haskins accountable for his batteries on the protected party as well as the officers who responded to protect her." Authorities remain vigilant as Mr. Haskins, currently out of custody, awaits sentencing due on June 9, reported the District Attorney's Office.
