Family identified the victim as a 15-year-old sophomore; police say two other minors were injured.
SAN FRANCISCO — A 15-year-old girl died and two other minors were wounded after gunfire erupted Friday near Jefferson Square Park in the Western Addition, police said. Officers responded around 5:15 p.m. to Golden Gate Avenue and Laguna Street, where the three juveniles were found with gunshot wounds.
Authorities said the teenager suffered life-threatening injuries and later died at a hospital. The other two victims were treated for injuries that police described as not life-threatening. The shooting occurred on a busy corridor lined with homes, a recreation center and the Margaret Hayward Playground, drawing a large police response at the start of the evening commute. Investigators collected evidence and canvassed for surveillance video while residents gathered along the police tape. Over the weekend, relatives identified the slain teen as a high school sophomore remembered for her energy and kindness. Counselors were made available for students as classes resumed.
Witnesses reported a burst of shots and people running for cover as children and families used nearby facilities. Police said officers from multiple districts responded within minutes, provided aid and coordinated with medics to transport the victims. “We know the community is hurting,” a department spokesperson said, adding that detectives were pursuing several leads. Family members said the girl was not the intended target and had been with friends when the shooting began. Neighbors described a chaotic scene, with drivers stopping their cars and bystanders pulling children indoors. By nightfall, evidence markers dotted the pavement while technicians photographed shell casings and collected footage from security cameras pointing toward the intersection.
Officials have not released the victim’s name publicly because she is a minor, but her family identified her as a 15-year-old student at a San Francisco public charter high school. School leaders said the campus was offering grief counseling and planned to honor her life in coordination with relatives. Police have not disclosed a motive and did not announce any arrests immediately after the shooting. Detectives said preliminary information indicated a confrontation preceded the gunfire, but the exact sequence remained under review. Investigators urged anyone with video from dashcams or doorbell systems to come forward. The two surviving youths, both under 18, remained under medical care and were expected to recover.
The Western Addition corridor where the shooting occurred sits between recreation spaces and residential blocks. Jefferson Square Park and Margaret Hayward Playground draw youth sports and after-school programs; evening foot traffic is common along Golden Gate Avenue. The area has seen periodic violence in recent years but also steady investment in parks and housing. Residents said Friday’s attack rattled families who frequent the playground and community center. Parents described adjusting weekend plans as they processed the news, while faith leaders reached out to offer support. City officials condemned the shooting and promised resources for the school community and affected families.
Police said the case was being handled by the department’s Homicide Detail, with officers reviewing ballistic evidence and coordinating with the medical examiner. Because all three victims are minors, authorities said they were limiting details about identities. Investigators planned to review additional surveillance video from nearby buildings and transit vehicles. As of Tuesday morning, police had not announced charges or released suspect information. Any future arrest would go through the Juvenile Justice Center, where proceedings are generally closed to the public under state law.
On Monday and Tuesday, mourners left flowers, candles and hand-written notes near the victim’s neighborhood as classmates shared memories of her smile and love of track and hairstyling. “She lifted people up without even trying,” a school official said. Residents who live near the shooting scene said they hoped for a swift resolution and safer streets as spring sports and after-school activities pick up. A makeshift vigil formed at sunset, with family members thanking neighbors who stopped to help in the first minutes after the shooting and asking for privacy as they grieved.
As of Tuesday afternoon, investigators said the two wounded teens were stable and expected to recover. Police planned to release any major case updates as they became available, including potential arrests. The department asked anyone with information to contact the tip line. The park and playground reopened to regular use, though patrols increased in the area during after-school hours.
Author note: Last updated February 3, 2026.