$25,000 reward for information in homicide of anti-gun violence activist: SFPD

San Francisco police are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever killed Joseph Taeotui, a gun violence activist shot last summer in front of his home in the Bayview Hunters point neighborhood.

 Taeotui, 43, was returning home after a community meeting Aug. 13, 2018 on how to stop gun violence. Video from a neighbor shows the moments after he was shot five times, including three times in the head on Kiska Road. He died nine days later.

His older brother, Century Fa'ataui, said in an earlier interview his brother was well-known, and respected for his work in the community. 

“There are cool guys and there are over cool guys,” Fa'ataui said. “He's the category of over cool guys. He sees  a problem  and he goes with  a level head and he talks to these youngsters."

Taeotui worked with SVIP  San Francisco's violence prevention outreach services, which helps the mayor’s office educate kids on street violence. 

The irony is not lost on his community that Taeotui was victim of a street crime.

“It's a shame,” said SVIP program director Arturo Carrillo. “We’re trying to do work to help the community, and a lot of folks who know us know that were here to help the community. That's what our focus is and that's what we continue to do."

Anyone with information should call Sgt. Barry Parker at 415-553-9481. Anyone who wants to remain anonymous should text a tip to TIP411.