Camilo Senchyna-Beltran, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician (EMT) from San Francisco, tragically lost his life on December 7, 2014. Camilo had recently completed a paramedic certification program and was celebrating his achievement with friends at Bruno’s nightclub, located at Mission and 20th streets. The night took a fatal turn when a scuffle broke out outside the club. Camilo, who was not involved in the initial altercation, stepped in to break up the fight.
During the commotion, he was shot in the chest. Despite being rushed to San Francisco General Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into Camilo's death led to the arrest of 21-year-old Taaron Bragg. Bragg was charged with murder and other related offenses. According to court documents, Bragg had been involved in the altercation and fired the shot that killed Camilo. Witnesses testified that Camilo was trying to de-escalate the situation when he was shot. Surveillance footage from the scene did not support the defense's claim that Bragg was acting in self-defense after being punched.
After several years of legal proceedings, Bragg pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and other charges. In April 2018, he was sentenced to 13 years in state prison. The sentence included three years for voluntary manslaughter and an additional ten years for carrying a firearm. During the sentencing, Camilo's family and friends delivered emotional victim impact statements, expressing their grief and the profound impact of his loss on their lives.
Camilo's death was a significant blow to his family, friends, and colleagues. He was remembered as a dedicated EMT who aspired to become a firefighter. His mother, Clare Senchyna, spoke of the devastating effect his death had on her life, describing him as the center of her world. The community mourned the loss of a young man who had dedicated his life to helping others and was on the brink of achieving his dreams.
