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Repeat offender with violent past accused of murdering woman during home invasion
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A man with a long history of arrests is now accused of killing a woman during a home invasion in a quiet San Francisco neighborhood, a case that is renewing scrutiny of California’s mental-health diversion system.
Cassidy Wyatt Allen, 45, appeared in court Wednesday to face special-circumstance murder and first-degree burglary charges in the death of 38-year-old Jessica Alejandra Sanchez Landaverde. The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office announced the charges in a news release.
DA Brooke Jenkins, speaking to KTVU, said Allen could face life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted.
“Our hearts break for this family,” Jenkins told the outlet. “It does not appear they had any connection to one another and so, yes again, this is one of the sadly, most scariest types of crimes that we can imagine, happening.”
CALIFORNIA JUDGE FREES SECOND MURDER SUSPECT WITHOUT BAIL AS DA WARNS ‘PEOPLE’S LIVES’ ARE AT RISK
San Francisco Police said Cassidy Wyatt Allen was charged with special-circumstance murder in the killing of a woman inside her home in San Francisco’s Ingleside District. (Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office)
According to the DA’s office, police were dispatched just before 3 p.m. on Nov. 23 to a home on the 200 block of Granada Avenue after a tenant returned and heard someone inside rush to the front door and lock it.
“Terrified and alarmed, she ran back to her vehicle and called 911,” the district attorney’s office said.
When officers arrived, they saw that a window near the front door was slightly open and the blinds were bent, even though the front door appeared untouched. When they pushed it open, they discovered Sanchez Landaverde lying on her back near the foot of the bed. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Later that day, officers responding to a welfare check near 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard located a man matching the description of a person of interest in the killing. Police detained him and identified him as Allen. Investigators determined they had probable cause to arrest him.
Allen was booked into San Francisco County Jail on suspicion of murder and first-degree burglary. He is being held without bail, according to jail records.
His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 17.
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According to jail records, Cassidy Wyatt Allen is being held without bail in connection to the violent home invasion that left a woman dead. (Google Maps)
A review of court records shows this was not his first encounter with the criminal justice system. Court records reviewed by The California Post show he previously faced arrests for second-degree robbery, battery, assault with a deadly weapon, inflicting injury on an elder or dependent adult, and possession of burglary tools and drug paraphernalia.
Allen also had a run-in with police in Del Norte County in 2022. Capt. Kyle Stevens of the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that Allen was arrested on Jan. 28, 2022, by the Crescent City Police Department for violating Penal Code §415.3 for using offensive or provocative words in public that are likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction.
“He was basically challenging people to a fight,” Stevens said.
Allen was booked into the Del Norte County Jail and released the same day on a promise to appear. Stevens said Allen never returned for a court appearance and no warrant was issued, which typically indicates prosecutors declined to pursue the case.
Stevens emphasized that Allen was not a resident of Del Norte County and had no other law enforcement contacts there. He appeared to be a transient individual passing through the region, likely continuing south toward the Bay Area after his release.
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San Francisco Police arrested Cassidy Wyatt Allen in a murder case. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
At least one earlier case resulted in Allen being placed in California’s mental health diversion program, a system that steers eligible defendants into treatment instead of incarceration. If participants comply with treatment and avoid new arrests, charges may be paused or dismissed.
Under Penal Code §1001.36, judges must determine whether a defendant’s mental health disorder significantly contributed to the offense and whether they pose an “unreasonable risk” to public safety before granting diversion.
Critics argue the program has expanded too far, sometimes encompassing defendants with violent histories.
Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper is among those warning that the diversion statute has become a loophole misused by chronic offenders.
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“There’s room for diversion somewhere, especially someone that has an addiction problem,” Cooper previously told Fox News Digital. “But what’s happened is they open the gates wide. So right now everyone’s taking advantage of it. A lot of criminals are. They’re really abusing the system, and that’s the unfortunate part about it.”
While Allen’s current charges, special-circumstance murder and first-degree burglary, are explicitly barred from diversion eligibility under state law, his earlier placement into the program despite repeated arrests is likely to intensify debate over how judges assess risk.
Neighbors told KTVU they were stunned that such a violent attack occurred in their typically quiet and safe neighborhood.
“I am saddened by it because I think our city is generally going in the right direction. We’ve turned the corner,” neighbor Rose Galloway said. “Incidents like this are going to happen in a big city every once in a while. I’m sad to hear about it happening so close to us.”
Neighbors told the outlet they often see a foot patrol officer along Ocean Boulevard and say the area generally feels safe.
“I have seen this neighborhood change for the better over the years. It’s incredible,” said Garrett Naro. “Crime is not something we think about. It’s very safe.”
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The case is now being handled by the San Francisco District Attorney’s Homicide Unit. Investigators say they are still gathering evidence and urge anyone with information to contact the San Francisco Police Department tip line at 1-415-575-4444.
Fox News Digital reached out to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office for comment.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
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SAN FRANCISCO – An 8-year veteran of the San Francisco Police Department received a hero’s sendoff Thursday afternoon as she was discharged from San Francisco General Hospital, less than three weeks after surviving a life-threatening shooting in the line of duty.
First time opening up to the public
The backstory:
Officer Brittney Taylor was greeted by a formation of first responders clapping to show their appreciation and respect as she emerged from the hospital in a wheelchair.
The discharge marks the first time Taylor has spoken publicly since the violent encounter on the night of May 31. According to newly released police body-camera footage, Taylor was shot in the upper leg and foot by a robbery suspect following a pursuit that ended in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood.
“I almost lost my life,” Taylor said. “It’s the little things you take for granted. Holy crap, you get to sit back and look at the big picture.”
When asked if she felt any fear during the incident, Taylor admitted she did that night, though not in the moments leading up to it.
“I knew what could happen,” she said, describing the entire ordeal as an eye-opener. “It is difficult to think about it. You replay it, and it absolutely causes me to lose sleep.”
Credit where credit is due
Dig deeper:
Taylor credited the hospital’s medical team, specifically trauma surgeon Dr. Andre Campbell, with saving her life.
However, Dr. Campbell emphasized that the quick actions of Taylor’s fellow officers at the scene played a critical role in her survival.
Instead of waiting for an ambulance, officers recognized the severity of her injuries, placed her into a patrol car, and rushed her directly to the hospital.
“Which was great,” Dr. Campbell said.
Taylor also highlighted the deep bond shared within her “close-knit police family.”
A squad of female officers and their commanding sergeant have maintained a constant presence at the hospital to offer continuous support throughout her stay.
The native San Franciscan expressed that she has no regrets and hopes her experience will encourage other officers to do their best.
“I love the city,” Taylor said. “I don’t like it when people come to my city and destroy it or hurt the citizens here. That takes a toll on me. I’m going to do something about it.”
The road to recovery
What’s next:
When asked how she would respond to people calling her a hero, Taylor remained humble.
“It’s my job. I was doing my job that night. I’m glad to be put in that position of being a hero.”
Following her release, Taylor received a full police escort as she headed home.
While she notes that her full recovery could take anywhere from six months to a year, she remains resolute about her future.
“You gotta let me put my uniform back on and get back out there,” Taylor said, adding that she has no hesitation about continuing her career. “Honestly, no. I got to slow it down. I have time now.”
The Source: Interview with SFPD Officer Brittney Taylor
Denver, CO
Claimed by Christ, Free in Him: Archbishop Golka Celebrates First Juneteenth Mass in Denver
The annual archdiocesan celebration highlighted human dignity, Black Catholic faith and the healing power of Christ’s love.
“This is my first Juneteenth celebration as a priest or a bishop. I’m honored that this could be my first, right here,” Denver Archbishop James Golka said during the Mass commemorating Juneteenth at Curé d’Ars Parish in Denver on Sunday, June 14.
Celebrating the day the Emancipation Proclamation reached enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States. This year’s annual archdiocesan Mass, organized by the Office of Black Catholic Ministry and bringing together parishes and groups from across Northern Colorado, also served to welcome the recently arrived archbishop, who was warmly greeted with processions by the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary, liturgical participation by the Curé d’Ars youth group and choir, and additional music by the Queen of Peace African Catholic Society.
“You have a very beautiful church here. The building is okay, also,” Archbishop Golka remarked, noting the beauty of the people of God, the Church, amid laughter and applause.
Carolyne Richardson, member of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary at St. Ignatius of Loyola, was particularly touched by Golka’s quiet enthusiasm.
“The church was overflowing with diverse ethnicities joining in this celebration. Everyone was elated to meet Archbishop Golka. He seemed to look each parishioner in the eye with genuine care and concern,” she noted. “It was sheer jubilation watching him sing the gospel songs along with the choir.”
Recalling his time with fellow bishops at their annual spring meeting in Florida, the archbishop reflected on Pope Leo’s encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, and its discussion on the reality of slavery.
“Although there was not always consistency in practice — slavery was long tolerated before being unequivocally condemned — there has been a continuous affirmation throughout history of the dignity of every human being created in the image of God, even if it took eighteen centuries for the full incompatibility with slavery to be explicitly recognized,” the Holy Father wrote. “This constitutes a wound in Christian memory, one for which we cannot consider ourselves detached. It is impossible not to feel deep sorrow when contemplating the immense suffering and humiliation endured by so many in stark contrast to their immeasurable dignity as persons infinitely loved by the Lord” (Magnifica Humanitas 176).
“Finally, Pope Leo says this to you, to all of us,” the archbishop noted as he finished quoting the Holy Father’s encyclical. “‘For this, in the name of the Church, I sincerely ask for pardon.”
(Photos by Matt Walker/Denver Catholic)
In his characteristically deeply pastoral way, Archbishop Golka offered the deep, personal love of Christ as a spiritual foundation and antidote to any and all attacks against humanity, be they in the form of slavery or the lurking dangers of artificial intelligence.
“At your Baptism, you were claimed by Jesus Christ. That’s our identity. The evil one tries to make us forget that. We forget that we are beloved children of God. We begin to think that maybe we are worthless, that there’s no reason why we’re here. That is a lie,” the archbishop emphasized. “When God created the universe, he had you in mind, to be here at this time, and this place for his purposes. And he wants to use you in everything. That means, he can use your weakness and your mistakes if you let him.”
The call to surrender more completely to the Lord of love, whose Sacred Heart burns in love for souls, resonated deeply with those in attendance.
“The Mass was more beautiful than I could have imagined,” said Kateri Williams, director of the Office of Black Catholic Ministry. “Archbishop Golka’s homily deeply touched those in attendance, and many were moved to tears as he spoke of the Father’s unconditional love and as he reminded us that each of us has a unique purpose and calling in God’s plan.”
Osahon “Osi” Ogbeide, one of several members of the Youth Ministry at Curé d’Ars who read the Prayers of the Faithful, was also taken by the seeming contradiction in Archbishop Golka’s homily.
“The homily focusing on being a slave and surrendering to the lord was very impactful because it reminded me that God wants the best for us. And that can only be achieved in surrendering to him,” he said.
As we continue to surrender to God and follow his plan, even when it surprises and confounds us, we participate in the Kingdom of God, the archbishop concluded.
“God’s purposes are much more immense than my plan. My plan is pretty puny,” Archbishop Golka said. “God’s purposes began with creation, and they’re going to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the Reign of God. We get to participate in the Reign of God coming, if you use God’s gifts for God and God’s purposes.”
Seattle News Weekly S1E44: FIFA Frenzy hits the PNW
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is off and running as Seattle prepares to host the United States vs. Australia match on Friday. With more matches to be played in the Emerald City after that, FOX 13’s David Rose, Dan Griffin and Austin Lane are taking a closer look at the biggest stories surrounding the international tournament. Dan is hearing from fans on Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s decision to turn on CCTV cameras during the World Cup, Austin is taking a deeper dive into why ties are a good thing in the group stage, and David revisits the lessons learned from the first match hosted in Seattle between Egypt and Belgium.
SEATTLE – The FIFA World Cup has taken Seattle by storm, bringing global excitement to our city and visitors from across the world.
On this week’s episode of the ‘Seattle News Weekly’ podcast, David Rose, Dan Griffin and Austin Lane discuss the top headlines of the week that have emerged alongside the buzz about the FIFA World Cup 2026.
A Massive Tournament Expansion
The hosts open the podcast with a discussion on how historically large this year’s FIFA World Cup is compared to years past. Expanded to 48 teams (up from 32), the tournament features a record 104 matches over 39 days across 16 host cities. Seattle is hosting six of those matches.
Austin explains the value of “ties” in the group stage—especially with the new format where 32 teams advance to the knockout stage instead of 16—meaning a single point from a tie carries significant weight.
At the time of recording, the US had already defeated Paraguay and is preparing to face Australia at “Seattle Stadium,” where a win would guarantee advancement.
Transit Tactics
Dan Griffin reports on the city’s transit system, noting that while the light rail is moving a massive influx of people smoothly, transit authorities are actively “throttling” passengers.
This practice involves controlling crowd flow onto platforms to ensure safety, which has caused wait times of over an hour for some fans on TikTok. Transit officials recommend that fans walk to stations slightly further away from the stadium district to get moving faster.
The CCTV Security Debate
The hosts talk about how security is a major focal point. The FBI has already had to confiscate drones being flown illegally downtown. More prominently, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson activated controversial closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the Stadium District following “general but credible threats” identified by law enforcement.
While an activist group called Community, Not Cameras expressed fears that the surveillance puts vulnerable populations at risk due to federal agency presence, visitors and fans interviewed largely welcomed the extra layer of security. The cameras are expected to be turned off after the World Cup concludes.
Cultural Celebrations and Fan Experiences
The hosts play a clip from reporter Lauren Donovan who provides a colorful look at the fan festivities happening in the city. She highlights the “March to the Match,” describing Monday morning where Belgian fans swarmed Victory Hall alongside middle school band directors from the Stanwood-Camano district who were recruited to drum for them.
She also joins celebrating Egyptian fans, whose match against Belgium ended in an enthusiastic tie. The hosts note that international fans (like those from Australia) are already flooding local attractions, including Seattle Mariners baseball games, turning the sporting event into a broader West Coast vacation.
Seattle News Weekly is a podcast that goes in depth and gives context to the stories that matter to the western Washington community. Check back every Thursday for a new episode on your favorite podcast platform, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora, Stitcher, Amazon Music, TuneIn and Audible or YouTube.
MORE WORLD CUP NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE
USA players want to lay off the ‘Layup’ chatter ahead of Australia matchup
How Seattle is preparing for USMNT vs. Australia World Cup match on Juneteenth
FIFA World Cup billboards in Seattle spark sexual health conversations
Seattle’s Ballard to host Pride celebration, FIFA watch party on June 26
Seattle reviews FIFA World Cup 2026 transit options after post-match congestion
Egypt’s World Cup pride, Mohamed Salah’s legacy and one fan’s love for the Pharaohs
To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.
Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
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