SAN FRANCISCO—Officials from the San Francisco Police Department are investigating a homicide after a body was found inside the Westfield Mall on Wednesday, August 10. The San Francisco Medical Examiner’s office ruled the death a homicide. Officer Grace Gatpandan stated the body was found after the police responded to a call at 10:15 a.m.
According to KPIX News who spoke with Westfield Management, the body was found near the Jessie Street East entrance to the mall. Authorities are hoping that the foot traffic at the mall will bring forward witnesses who saw something. The victim has been identified as Chef Frank Galicia, 28, who worked at the “Sons and Daughters” restaurant in Union Square.
The restaurant released the following statement regarding Galicia’s homicide: “We are shocked and devastated by Frank’s passing – we are a small team that operates like a close knit family and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Frank’s family and friends at this difficult time.“
“We’re encouraging anyone who might have been in the area around 10:15 [a.m.] or hours prior to contact the police department because you never know what might have been suspicious that doesn’t seem suspicious until people see this,” said SFPD Officer Grace Gatpandan.
Westfield Management released a statement reading: “San Francisco Police are conducting an investigation proximate to the Jessie Street East entrance. The Centre is open and operating normally, and we are cooperating fully with the investigation.” Galicia’s body was located near an alley near the Bloomingdale’s retail store.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the authorities, as the investigation is ongoing. Officials from the SFPD urge anyone with information to contact it’s anonymous homicide tip line at (415)575-4444. Anonymous tips can also be sent via text to TIP 411 (847411) starting message with SFPD.
By Shatai Melvin and Donald Roberts
