Yvonne Barillas, 59, was found dead in a hotel room near Mission and 16th Streets in San Francisco on March 29, 2013, having suffered a fatal stab wound. A long-time resident of the Mission District after emigrating from Nicaragua as a child, Barillas had experienced homelessness and lived in single-room-occupancy housing. She was known in the community for her devotion to Catholic faith, her love of music, and for bringing joy to others despite struggling with schizophrenia.

Police were called to the scene that night and, despite initial efforts, no suspects had been identified. Her death was recorded as the city’s tenth homicide of 2013. The investigation has not produced public leads, and family and friends continue to seek justice for a woman remembered for her big heart and resilience. If anyone knew Yvonne or has information about what happened that night, contact the San Francisco Police Department’s homicide detail.