SAN FRANCISCO—A man on a San Francisco commuter train on September 23 was able to flash a gun several times with no passengers seeing it because of smartphones and tablets, according to authorities on Wednesday, October 9.
The man, Nikhom Thephakaysone, would later exit the train and shoot Justin Valdez, a 20-year-old San Francisco State University student, in the back of the head.
Surveillance footage shows Thephakaysone, 30, raising a .45-caliber pistol and pointing it across the aisle before lowering it to his side and then drawing the weapon several more times, according to reports. Prosecutors told the San Francisco Chronicle that he was looking for a victim.
“These weren’t concealed movements—the gun is very clear,” said District Attorney George Gascon. “These people are in very close proximity with him, and nobody sees this. They’re just so engrossed, texting and reading and what not. They’re completely oblivious of their surroundings,” he added.
Thephakaysone, who is accused of shooting Valdez, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. He has been charged with assault with a semi-automatic handgun and illegal possession of an assault weapon after police seized two rifles, combat knives and razors at his home. Police said he was carrying $20,000 in cash when he was arrested.
San Francisco police officials have said those who pay too much attention to technology are vulnerable to theft.
“Oftentimes when you interview people who get their phones stolen, when you ask them to describe where the person came from, what he was wearing, they have no idea,” Police Chief Greg Suhr said in a statement.
Gascon said the killing highlighted the concern that technology can be a distraction to impending danger and can lead to dire consequences.
“I’m hopeful that consumer behavior will change, and that people will consider the risks posed when they lose track of their surroundings,” Gascon said. “After all, a life can be ruined in the blink of an eye,” he added.
The investigation into the murder is still ongoing.
By Melissa Simon
