Helen Canafax, 63, was beaten during a robbery on April 10, 2009, in the 600 block of Folsom Street in San Francisco and died of her injuries on April 26, 2009. According to reports, a man grabbed her purse and knocked her to the ground; the fall caused severe injuries that proved fatal despite medical treatment.

The attacker was described as a 35–40-year-old man, about 180 pounds, last seen wearing a gray beanie-style cap, a red or black sweatshirt, and dark-colored pants. The San Francisco Police Department released a sketch and asked the public for tips; no arrest was immediately made and the case remained unsolved. Canafax was remembered as a generous, kind-hearted woman who often gave money to the homeless, and her death touched the local community.

Anyone who knew Helen, witnessed the robbery on April 10, 2009, or has information about the suspect is asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department or submit an anonymous tip.