SAN FRANCISCO — A teenager is facing serious charges, including murder, after a shooting incident left a 15-year-old girl dead and two boys injured in the Western Addition neighborhood. The tragic event occurred last Friday evening when a fight escalated into gunfire near the intersection of Golden Gate Avenue and Laguna Street.
The victim, identified as Jayda Mabrey, was a 10th-grade student at Gateway High School. “Her loss has deeply affected our community,” said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. Jayda was remembered as a cherished member of her community, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for change regarding gun access among youth.
In a hearing held Thursday, the 16-year-old boy suspected of pulling the trigger was charged not only with murder but also with two counts of attempted murder and assault with a firearm. He reportedly responded with visible distress as the judge outlined the charges. His co-defendant, a 15-year-old boy, faces charges related to the wounding of one of the boys involved in the shooting.
Both defendants denied the charges through their attorneys, which included claims of conspiracy and gun involvement. The case has drawn attention for its potential impact on the juvenile justice system, with Jenkins indicating that she may seek to have the older suspect tried as an adult. The younger defendant, however, is too young to be transferred to adult court due to legal age limits.
If the case remains in juvenile court, the 16-year-old could serve a maximum of time until he is 25. Conversely, if he is charged as an adult, he could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison. Jenkins expressed concerns about the current state of the juvenile justice system, noting that the drastic differences in potential sentencing highlight a significant issue in handling youth offenses.
Judge Anne Costin ordered both teens to remain in custody until their next court appearance later this month as legal proceedings continue. The community is left grappling with this heartbreaking incident, marking it as a critical moment for local leaders and residents to address gun violence and its impact on young lives.