Alberto Casillas

Known to his loved ones as "Chito," Alberto Casillas was a young man with a big heart and a clear ambition to serve his community. Born and raised in San Francisco, the 20-year-old Hispanic man was remembered by his family as selfless, protective, honest, and loving. His mother, Elsa, called him her "gentle giant," a nod to his powerful 6-foot-4, 275-pound frame that had made him a formidable defensive lineman for Balboa High School's football team, where he was named 1st team All-City his senior year. After graduating, Alberto worked for the Postal Service and then as a security guard in Daly City, all while taking preparatory classes at City College with the goal of joining the San Francisco Police Department. His family said he was dedicated to providing a better life for those around him, and his playful, sarcastic humor kept them smiling.

The day before he died, Alberto attended his second preparatory class for the police officer examination. On the night of Saturday, January 6, 2007, he was enjoying a night out with his girlfriend, friends, and family in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood. Sometime during the evening, Alberto and his group had a confrontation with at least two men at Club Caliente, a nightclub that has since closed. During the dispute, one of the men brandished a firearm. The conflict appeared to subside, and later, in the early hours of January 7, Alberto was driving away from the area.

At approximately 2:17 a.m., as Alberto drove his silver GMC Yukon SUV with a friend near the intersection of 13th and Folsom streets, the suspects from the earlier confrontation pulled up alongside his vehicle. They opened fire, shooting multiple rounds into the driver's side of the SUV. Alberto was struck by the gunfire. He was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

The San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) launched a homicide investigation, but it was hampered by a lack of cooperation from witnesses. Investigators believe many people saw what happened but were reluctant to come forward. Over the years, SFPD Homicide Inspectors including Pam Hofsass, Kevin Jones, and Michael Morley have worked the case, periodically re-issuing pleas for public assistance. Police released descriptions of two suspects, both described as Black men between 18 and 25 years old at the time. The first was around 6 feet 4 inches tall and 200 pounds with a dark complexion, wearing a long black jacket and a black T-shirt with a white square on the chest. The second was around 5 feet 8 inches and 160 pounds, clean-shaven with a short haircut.

In the years since the murder, Alberto's mother, Elsa Casillas, has worked tirelessly to find justice for her son. On anniversaries of his death, she has returned to the corner of 13th and Folsom to erect memorials with his photos and to hand out flyers alongside police, hoping to spark someone's memory. "You'd think it gets easier waiting year after year," she said in 2013. "It doesn't — it never goes away." Her brother Mario reflected on Alberto's recent commitment to his future. "He was only seven days into his new life and he got killed," he said. "He said this year was going to be his year."

The case remains unsolved, and Alberto's family continues to wait for answers. The San Francisco Mayor's Office has authorized a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect or suspects responsible for the murder of Alberto Casillas.

The San Francisco Police Department urges anyone with information to contact the SFPD Homicide Detail at (415) 553-1145. Callers can also use the anonymous tip line at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with "SFPD".