SAN FRANCISCO—On Sunday, September 2, a local resident was arrested and charged with the June murder of a man in Diamond Heights.
On June 12 around 6pm, Eriq Escalon was found bound, gagged and dead in his apartment located in the 5000 block of Diamond Heights Boulevard. Escalon’s apartment had been burglarized in the incident.
A San Francisco Police Department news release indicates evidence that was discovered during the investigation of the death of Escalon led to the identification of 45-year-old James Rickleffs as a suspect.
After being interviewed by SF Police Homicide investigators, Rickleffs was booked into county jail on a murder charge related to the death of Escalon. The SFPD went on to thank their community partners including Greg Carey, of the Castro Community Patrol and the media for their assistance in the investigation.
As the SFPD continue to investigate the case, they are urging anyone who recognizes Rickleffs or has information regarding Escalon’s murder to come forward. They may contact Sergeant Scott Warnke, Inspectors Daniel Dedet, Kevin Jones or Robert Valverde at the Homicide Unit by calling (415) 553-1145 or after hours at (415) 553-1071. Those wishing to remain anonymous may submit a tip by calling the SFPD Tip Line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411.
By Damian Kelly
