SAN FRANCISCO—On Friday, March 1, 2024, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office disclosed a conviction of Sean Ferguson, 55, after a trial by jury for brutally beating a man in an altercation over $100. The defendant was convicted of attempted murder (PC 664/187), attempted second-degree robbery (PC 664/211) and mayhem (PC 203). The jury found true allegations that Ferguson personally used a deadly weapon and inflicted great bodily injury on the victim during the commission of these crimes.

According to testimony and other evidence presented at trial, on February 19, 2023, at around 6 a.m., Ferguson followed the victim into a restaurant parklet near Yerba Buena Gardens. Over the course of 15 minutes, he stabbed the victim 16 times in the back and torso and choked and kicked him.

The case against the defendant was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Yuri Chornobil, with assistance from paralegal Aareona Miles. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Mr. Ferguson with careful investigation by the San Francisco Police Department’s Night Investigations Unit.

“The jury’s verdict sends a clear message that the People of the City of San Francisco will not tolerate violence and will hold those who harm us accountable,” said Assistant District Attorney Yuri Chornobil. “While nothing can undo the harm caused by the heinous acts of Mr. Ferguson, I hope this verdict brings the victim some peace and closure.”

Ferguson is currently in custody. He faces up to 30 years in state prison for his crimes. Sentencing will be scheduled at a future hearing in April.