January 5, 2023
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—A Japantown security guard was shot and killed by two teenage boys last night around 5:07 p.m. The two teenage male suspects involved in the shooting has been taken into custody.
Gavin Boston, 40, died at the scene just outside the Japan Center Mall. Lifesaving aid was rendered and medics did arrive on the scene as well as police officers, but Boston’s injuries were extensive.
According to ABC7, Grace Horikiri of the Japantown Community Benefit District was shown the exterior surveillance video of what happened.
“Escorting a young man out the door and then we saw what looked like one gunfire taking place,” Horikiri explained.
Boston’s sister Carla Seawright said of the suspect, “I don’t understand why is it that – he looked like a little tiny kid. I mean, he looked so small.”
UPDATE: “He was a kind, nurturing person.” Sister remembers Gavin Boston, 40, security guard shot dead in SF’s Japantown, allegedly by troubled 15yo boy he was escorting out of the mall. Teen arrested by @SFPD on suspicion of murder. 5:20,6:10,7:35 p.m. @KTVU pic.twitter.com/ZzowSWqxOe
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) January 6, 2023
According to Seawright, her brother was escorting the 15-year-old boy out of the mall because he was acting inappropriately. Once the boy was taken outside, he opened fire on Boston.
Boston had only worked at Japan Center Mall for two months after management changed security firms. However, in that short time, tenants said the guard made an impact.
“He was the best of the best security guy,” stated Ritsuko Suzuki, owner of a bonsai shop in the mall. “When we need him, he always be there. Always. So fast.”
The 15-year-old suspect was arrested for murder and a 14-year-old was arrested for accessory to murder. Both suspects were booked into the Juvenile Justice Center.
Feature Screenshot via KTVU YouTube