SAN FRANCISCO—On Monday March 4, 2024 it was announced by the SF District Attorney’s Office a conviction of Zuri Wilson, 47, after trial by jury for a 2013 execution style murder in Sunnydale. He was convicted of first-degree murder (PC 187(a)) with allegations that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm in the commission of the murder (PC 12022.53(d)), that he used a firearm (PC 12022.5(a)) and that he lay in wait to commit the murder. He was also convicted of one count of possession of a firearm by a felon (PC 29800(a)(1)).
According to testimony and other evidence presented at trial, on August 23, 2013, Wilson executed the victim after waiting for over an hour in a vacant housing unit across from where the victim often stayed. At approximately 7 p.m., the victim walked to his car with his aunt. As the victim was leaning inside the rear passenger door and gathering items, two masked men rushed out of a housing unit located at 129 Blythdale Avenue, ran up behind the victim, and shot him a dozen times in his head, back, chest and arm.
A video of the execution showed the two assailants shooting the victim multiple times. Wilson, the primary shooter, came within feet of the victim, stood over him, and shot him several times point blank in the back of his head, killing him. Officers approximately two blocks away, heard gunshots and immediately drove in the direction of the shooting. One officer ran after the armed shooters and obtained a description of the vehicle the assailants used to escape which provided investigators and prosecutors with valuable information that was used to prosecute the defendant.
The case against Wilson was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Omid Talai, with assistance from District Attorney Investigators Gino Guerrero, Omega Crum, and Doug Keely, paralegals Jessica Diamond and Julio Flores, and IT support from Noaeh Pinaire. Victim advocate Ruben Marquez worked closely with the victim’s family throughout the case. The Prosecution was able to present a strong case against Mr. Wilson based on the incredible work of current and retired SFPD Homicide unit investigators.
“This conviction brings a measure of closure to the Otis family, who have dealt with the aftermath of this murder for almost eleven years. Their daily presence in court was a reminder of Shawnte’s humanity and the many people who still miss him,” said Assistant District Attorney Omid Talai. “I have the utmost gratitude and respect for the SFPD officers, both current and retired, who investigated this case and assisted our office in this conviction.
The defendant is currently in custody pending sentencing. He faces life in state prison without the possibility of parole. His sentencing will be scheduled on March 21, 2024.
