A 28-year-old woman was found stabbed to death last Saturday at an encampment along Anderson Drive in San Rafael, setting off a homicide investigation in an already fragile stretch of the city. Officers and emergency medical personnel responded to reports of an unresponsive woman and pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released her name as the investigation continues.
San Rafael Police Department officers were sent at about 6:15 PM to Anderson Drive between Lindaro Street and Irwin Street after reports of an unresponsive woman, according to KTVU. Police said they found the woman with stab wounds in an area occupied by several unhoused individuals, and medical responders pronounced her dead at the scene. Investigators identified the victim as 28 years old and asked anyone with information to contact the San Rafael Police Department at 415-485-3000.
Where It Happened
San Rafael police stressed that the killing is not connected to the city's sanctioned camping area along the Mahon Creek Path, which sits a few blocks from the Anderson Drive encampment. The City of San Rafael describes the Mahon Creek Path sanctioned camping program as a temporary, organized site with services and case management that is meant to move residents toward permanent housing, rather than operate as an unsanctioned encampment. The City of San Rafael notes that the sanctioned area was created under a state Encampment Resolution Fund grant to provide stability and on-site services for enrolled participants.
Local Housing Efforts And Context
The county and city have been working on interim housing and outreach for people living along Anderson Drive and in the Mahon Creek area. Marin County recently announced a time-limited interim housing site at 350 Merrydale Road that is intended to house and serve participants in the sanctioned camping program. Marin County says the project is funded in part by the state's Encampment Resolution Fund and includes case management and 24/7 security at the interim site. Local leaders have previously worked to cut down on unsanctioned camping along Andersen/Anderson Drive while offering alternatives to residents who want services.
What Investigators Say
The San Rafael Police Department says the investigation is active and has not announced any suspects or a possible motive. Detectives are gathering witness accounts and forensic evidence, and officers are asking anyone with information to call the department's tip line at 415-485-3000. Police are also urging anyone with video or other potential evidence to come forward, noting that witness cooperation could be key to identifying whoever is responsible.
