Thomas Walsh, a 58-year-old resident of Daly City, was tragically killed on May 18, 2019, in San Francisco's Western Addition neighborhood. Walsh, a passionate mechanic known for his selflessness and dedication to helping others, was working on a 1970 Chevrolet Nova SS as a favor to a friend when he was shot execution-style. The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Turk Street, near Franklin.
Walsh was bent over the engine of the car with his back turned when he was approached and shot in the head near his right ear, dying instantly.
The suspect, Afakasi Afakasi, a 22-year-old man, was charged with Walsh's murder. Afakasi, who was out on bail for an unrelated robbery charge at the time, was identified through extensive video surveillance footage. During his arraignment, prosecutors presented an abundance of video evidence linking Afakasi to the crime. Despite the defense's argument that the videos did not clearly show the shooter's face, the prosecution maintained that the evidence was sufficient to connect Afakasi to the murder.
Afakasi's trial revealed that he and two friends had left a party and were walking when they stopped at a gas station near the crime scene. Without any warning, Afakasi approached Walsh and shot him. The trio then continued walking down Turk Street. If convicted, Afakasi faces a minimum sentence of 50 years to life in prison. Walsh's family, devastated by the loss, has sought justice and closure through the legal proceedings. They have also started a GoFundMe page to raise money for his funeral expenses, reflecting the community's support and the impact Walsh had on those around him.
