A California man who once worked as a life coach and activist is now facing murder charges in what authorities describe as a decades-long string of deadly shootings.
Sauntek Harris, 44, was arrested on May 29 and charged with four separate murders dating back to 2002, according to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Alongside him, 48-year-old Shaun Britton was also taken into custody and charged in connection with one of the killings.
Harris, who was known for his work at a community center in San Francisco’s Hunters Point neighborhood, is now accused of hiding a dark past behind his community activism. Prosecutors believe the killings began after Harris lost a fight — and allegedly turned to gun violence for revenge.
The first murder happened on January 18, 2002, and involved an assault rifle, according to the district attorney’s office. Officials say the shooting was carried out “for a criminal street gang” and labeled it an act of “street terrorism.”
Just over a month later, on February 24, 2002, Harris allegedly shot and killed Lorenzo Richards using a semi-automatic pistol. Then, on July 28, 2002, Gerald White was fatally shot — a killing prosecutors say happened because White was planning to testify about a crime Harris was involved in.
Years passed before the fourth alleged killing. On August 10, 2019, Harris is accused of gunning down Dietrich Whitley. Prosecutors claim this murder was especially calculated, saying Harris was “lying in wait” before pulling the trigger.
In addition to the murder charges, Harris faces charges for illegal firearm possession as a felon. Back in 2004, he was convicted of two felonies in San Francisco: carrying a concealed firearm and drug distribution.
Both Harris and Britton are currently behind bars and will remain in custody as they await trial. Prosecutors argued they pose a serious risk to public safety.
They should be removed from society