Eddie Wayne Tate, known as "Tennessee," was tragically murdered on December 18, 2016, in San Francisco, California. At the age of 51, Tate was living on the streets of the Mission District, specifically at the northwest corner of 16th Street and South Van Ness Avenue. On that fateful evening, he and Lindsay Elaine McCollum, a 27-year-old woman, were shot while inside a wooden box they used as their living quarters.
The shooting occurred around 8:46 PM, and both victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The San Francisco Police Department has been actively investigating this case, but as of now, the murders remain unsolved. The police have authorized a $200,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for the killings. Despite the reward and ongoing efforts, no arrests have been made, and the case remains open. The police have released a composite sketch of a person of interest and continue to seek any information that could help solve the case.
Lindsay McCollum, who was also killed in the incident, had been living on and off the streets for three years prior to her death. She struggled with heroin addiction and mental illness, but her family remembers her as a talented and intelligent individual who loved animals and had a passion for reading and dancing. Her mother, Carrie McCollum, has been vocal about seeking justice for her daughter and Tate, emphasizing that despite their circumstances, they deserved better.
The community and friends of the victims have also been involved in efforts to bring attention to the case. Posters offering the reward for information have been put up around the area where the shooting occurred. The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of homelessness and violence against vulnerable populations in San Francisco.
The investigation into the murders of Eddie Wayne Tate and Lindsay McCollum continues, with the San Francisco Police Department urging anyone with information to come forward. The hope remains that justice will eventually be served for both victims.
