Bystander's Video of Brutal Attack in S.F. Tenderloin Leads to Suspect's Arrest
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) -- Police have arrested the suspect in a brutal beating in San Francisco's Tenderloin District on Friday evening that left the victim with life-threatening injuries. The suspect was arrested about two blocks from where the crime happened.
Oakland resident Melton Earl Kelly, 25, was arrested at 7:19 a.m. Sunday on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery, mayhem, assault with a deadly weapon, resisting/delaying/obstructing peace officer duties, and multiple narcotics-related offenses, according to police.
Jenny Shao was walking on Cyril Magnin and Ellis Streets Friday afternoon when she saw a fight break out.
She recorded it: her video shows one man repeatedly stomping and beating another, before robbing and leaving the victim for dead.
Several times, the victim can be heard saying, "I can't breathe."
Shao says she made sure to stick around and share her recording with San Francisco police, who used it to generate multiple photos of suspect.
"I managed to help in getting the attacker's information out there," Shao told KPIX 5.
When she was told the suspect had been arrested, she exclaimed, "Yes, yes yes, yes! One less violent culprit off our streets."
Since Shao posted her video online and on social media, she has received backlash from hundreds of critics. She says they asked her "Why didn't you call 911 or why didn't you step in to help?"
She said others had already called 911 and she wanted to keep herself safe -- especially since she recorded another man who tried to help but was then mistakenly identified as a second attacker.
In the end, the San Francisco woman says she was the only bystander to stick around long enough to help with the police investigation.
"My contribution as a resident, a moral citizen, an individual, a person whose -- this place my home town -- is to say something when I see something," Shao said.
Glide Memorial Church confirmed the suspect worked for the church as a 90-day temporary employee over the holidays.
In a statement, the church said, "We at Glide abhor violence and make it clear to our staff, whether permanent or temporary… that violence is totally unacceptable. Our thoughts and our loving prayers are with the victim and his family."
Police say the victim, who suffered life threatening injuries, remains in the hospital.
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