SAN FRANCISCO—On Friday, July 20, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascon revealed that a jury found Wakeen Best, 34, of San Francisco guilty on all charges including felony animal cruelty, felony auto burglary and felony vandalism. The jury found the Best guilty after a day of deliberation.
“This defendant showed no remorse and is responsible for the death of a little, defenseless animal,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “This verdict is a small step toward bringing justice for Dunky. This verdict also sends a clear message that in San Francisco there are consequences for harming our beloved pets.”
“The particularly cruel circumstances of this case spurred SFPD investigators to quickly identify the suspect from prior contacts and make an arrest,” said San Francisco Police Chief William Scott. “We are thankful to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office for their diligent work to secure a conviction in this case. In the weeks following this crime, city garages including the Sutter Street and Stockton Street parking structure have installed fencing, signage better lighting and surveillance cameras to discourage would-be thieves. Today, thanks to collaborative efforts among city agencies, local businesses and residents, auto burglaries in our city are down 20 percent year to date.”
“We are grateful to the jury for the verdict in this case and for the hard work of the District Attorney’s Office and the SFPD,” said Virginia Donohue, Executive Director of Animal Care & Control. “We hope that this gives Dunky’s family some comfort.”
According to a press release from the SFDA’s Office, court records indicate that on February 10, at approximately 2:15 p.m., Best entered into the Sutter/Stockton garage. She headed to the 7th floor, spotted the nicest car she saw and she broke the window. A little Chihuahua named Dunky was in the car. Dunky scared the defendant and called attention to her by barking and tossed the dog from the seventh floor of the parking structure killing the animal.
Officers from the San Francisco Police Department obtained dash camera footage which captured the suspect on video and audio of the crime in progress.
“Dunky didn’t have to die, I’m grateful for the jury’s thoughtful deliberation in this case,” said Assistant District Attorney Asha Jameson.
Trial lasted approximately three weeks. The jury deliberated for one day. Sentencing is set for August 17 in Department 19 for Best.
