Man found dead at San Francisco Westfield Centre ID'd
SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - The man found dead in a stairwell at the Westfield San Francisco Centre mall Wednesday morning has been identified as 28-year-old Frank Galicia of San Francisco. He worked at an upscale restaurant in the city called Sons and Daughters.
The San Francisco medical examiner's office has ruled the death a homicide, but neither they nor San Francisco Police have said how Galicia was killed.
Investigators are interviewing witnesses who were in the area of the crime scene and examining surveillance video from the Jessie Street alley outside Bloomingdale's or the mall's east entrance. That's where police received a call at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday that the body of a white male in his 30s was found inside the mall at 865 Market St., according to SFPD Officer Grace Gatpandan.
Employees at the mall did not want to speak to KTVU on camera, but said the victim's body was found behind doors that lead to a stairwell used as an employee exit. Workers said homeless and other locals would do drugs in this area. It is still not known why Galicia was inside, but sources close to the investigation said his body was not fully clothed when it was found.
Friends say he was on the quiet side, had a strong work ethic and as an up and coming chef, had a passion for food as was evident on his Instagram page that shows several food photos.
Sons and Daughters closed on Thursday in reflection of Galicia's death and released the following statement, “We are shocked and devastated by Frank’s passing – we are a small team that operates like a close knit family and he will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with Frank’s family and friends at this difficult time.“
On the day the body was discovered, Westfield Centre issued a statement to say SFPD were handling the investigation, but wanted to ensure the public that the mall was open and "operating normally" and was cooperating with the investigation.
This is an active investigation. SFPD has requested that any inquires are directed to the SFPD media relations office at 415-837-7395.
A gofundme has been set up by Galicia's friends in his memory, but also to help with the investigation, offer rewards and cover some of the family's expenses.