SAN FRANCISCO – On Friday morning, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins’ office did not object to yet another delay in the case against the SFPD officer Kenneth Cha who killed Sean Moore, failing to bring justice for the family and delaying accountability once again.
Kenneth Cha shot the unarmed Sean Moore, who was having a mental health crisis at his home, in 2017. On January 20, 2020, Moore died from complications directly related to the gunshot wounds. The coroners’ report ruled the death a homicide and stated that the cause of death was Acute Intestinal Obstruction caused by the bullet wounds’ scar tissue.
Moore’s mother, Cleo Moore, and his brother, Kenneth Blackmon, along with community groups and police accountability advocates demanded for months that DA Jenkins take immediate action in the case against Kenneth Cha, and bring the case to a preliminary hearing so that evidence could be heard. Since taking office in 2022, DA Jenkins has acted as an ally to the defense for Officer Cha, allowing delay tactics which have dragged the case on for nearly two years.
Moore’s family members have experienced emotional and physical turmoil waiting for justice for their loved one. Mrs. Moore and Mr. Blackmon have been coming to court since charges against the officer were first brought by DA Chesa Boudin in November 2021. Mrs. Moore is 84 years old and this long and grueling process has impacted her physical and emotional health.
After the case was delayed yet again, Mrs. Moore spoke to a crowd of supporters in front of the Hall of Justice.
“I’ve been here for a year and six months and I’ve only heard, ‘We have to get more evidence.’ I don’t know what other evidence they need. That officer, he is a killer. But I’m going to be here. I’m going to wheel in with my little walker until I can’t wheel in anymore. That is my child and I love him. He should not be in his grave.”
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Mrs. Cleo Moore, mother of Sean Moore
Since DA Jenkins took office, the family received no updates from the DA’s office, has had meetings with the family canceled, and each time Cha’s attorney requests a delay, the DA has allowed it without concern for the family’s prolonged suffering.
“The only mystery in this case is why the district attorney continues to acquiesce to the POA lawyer’s request for more time.”
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Rebecca Young, attorney for Mrs. Moore
Community groups and police accountability advocates worry about the message the DA’s decision sends to police.
“The DA’s decision to delay justice in the case against Kenneth Cha isn’t a standalone act; it’s a pattern for the DA. Look at the cases of Keita O’Neil and Banko Brown, where she dropped the charges. She is refusing to bring accountability in cases of police or vigilante violence, acting as more of an ally to police than to the victims’ families.”
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Emily Lee, Co-director of San Francisco Rising
The next court hearing has been set for June 29th at 9am.
Mrs. Cleo Moore (mother of Sean Moore)
Mrs. Cleo Moore (mother of Sean Moore)
Rebecca Young (Attorney for Mrs. Cleo Moore)
James Burch (Anti Police-Terror Project)
Yoel Haile (ACLU of Northern California)
