Ismail J. Ramsey, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California
A federal jury has found Leion Butler, also known as Leniyah Butler, guilty of voluntary manslaughter. Butler, who is 21 years old and from San Francisco, was convicted after a two-week trial overseen by U.S. District Judge Susan Illston.
The incident in question occurred on November 12, 2023, in the Crissy Field East Beach area of the Presidio of San Francisco. Evidence presented during the trial showed that Butler, a sex worker, shot a man in the eye after a dispute over a refund and was then asked to leave the car. Post the shooting, Butler took the victim’s vehicle to Hunters Point, attempted to clean off fingerprints and DNA, and disposed of physical evidence, including the murder weapon.
Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins stated, “We extend our sincere condolences to the victim’s family, whose son and brother was taken from them prematurely, and hope today’s verdict brings some measure of justice.” Robbins also praised the FBI, saying, “We commend the swift actions of the FBI agents, who promptly and thoroughly investigated this case from the moment the victim’s body was found in the Presidio.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani commented on the conviction, stating, “This conviction demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crime. Through tireless investigative work and collaboration with our law enforcement partners, we ensured that the defendant was held accountable for this senseless act. The FBI will continue to pursue those who commit violent offenses and threaten the safety of our communities.”
While the jury convicted Butler of voluntary manslaughter, she was acquitted of second-degree murder. She is in custody ahead of her sentencing scheduled for June 27, 2025. The maximum penalty includes 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and possible restitution under 18 U.S.C. § 1112. Sentencing will follow the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal sentencing statute, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey Davidson and George Hageman lead the prosecution, supported by Helen Yee, Jessie Chelsea, Marina Ponomarchuk, and Janice Pagsanjan. The FBI conducted a monthslong investigation resulting in the prosecution of this case.
