A man fatally stabbed Wednesday afternoon while crossing the street with his young son in San Francisco’s Balboa Terrace neighborhood has been identified as Robert Paul Byrd II, 35, according to the San Francisco Medical Examiner’s Office.
Byrd, a resident of San Francisco, was walking with his son after picking him up from Commodore Sloat Elementary School when the incident occurred. Authorities said the father and son were near Junipero Serra Boulevard and Ocean Avenue when Byrd became involved in an altercation with another man. The confrontation quickly escalated, and Byrd sustained multiple stab wounds.
Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save his life, Byrd succumbed to his injuries. His son, who witnessed the attack, was not physically harmed but was left shaken.
Suspect Arrested in Tuolumne County
On Friday, Mayor Daniel Lurie and Interim Police Chief Paul Yep announced that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the killing. Police identified the suspect as 42-year-old Daniel Patrick Rodriguez, who was taken into custody in Tuolumne County, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of San Francisco.
Authorities did not disclose the details of how Rodriguez was tracked down but confirmed that San Francisco police worked closely with regional law enforcement agencies to make the arrest. “This was a senseless act of violence that has left a family and our city grieving,” Mayor Lurie said. “We are grateful to our officers and partner agencies for their swift work in locating and apprehending the suspect.”
The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case and considering charges, which may include murder.
Support for the Victim’s Family
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Balboa Terrace community, a typically quiet residential neighborhood, and raised concerns about public safety near local schools.
At a Friday press briefing, San Francisco Unified School District Superintendent Maria Su said the district is providing ongoing mental health support to Byrd’s son and his family. “We have been in regular conversations with the mom and made sure that we are allocating as many resources as possible that are appropriate to the mom and to our student,” Su said. “We do hope one day to welcome our student back.”
Counselors have also been made available at Commodore Sloat Elementary School to support students, teachers, and families processing the tragedy.
Community Response
Neighbors described Byrd as a devoted father who was deeply involved in his son’s life. Many expressed shock that such violence occurred in broad daylight near a school zone. Community leaders and parents have since called for increased safety measures around schools, including more patrols during pick-up and drop-off hours.
For now, the focus remains on supporting Byrd’s family as they grieve. City officials have pledged to keep the community informed as the legal process unfolds and emphasized that the victim’s young son will be cared for during this difficult time.
