On the evening of September 17, 2024, 53-year-old Willie Tillis was killed on a sidewalk near 14th Street and Imperial Avenue in San Diego’s East Village. Officers responding to reports of gunfire found Tillis with both gunshot and stab wounds; he was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. Police say a confrontation among a group on the sidewalk led to the violence, with one suspect shooting Tillis and another stabbing him before the assailants fled in different directions.

Tillis was remembered by family as kind-hearted and committed to helping the homeless community in East Village; he leaves twin daughters and multiple siblings. On September 18, 2024, 53-year-old Alex Bailey was arrested during a traffic stop and booked on suspicion of murder as the person believed to have shot Tillis. Authorities continue to seek additional suspects, review nearby surveillance including trolley station cameras, and ask witnesses to come forward.

If anyone saw the confrontation that night or has footage from the 14th and Imperial area, please share what you know.