San Francisco Judges Face Scrutiny Over Releases Due to Prosecutorial Delays

San Francisco, CA – The releases of two individuals accused of violent attacks on elderly victims have ignited public debate and drawn criticism regarding the city's judicial processes and prosecutorial efficiency. Both Zavien Wright and Patrick Thompson were released from custody due to procedural delays, prompting significant public outcry and a social media post that misidentified the presiding judge.

Zavien Wright, 21, was released on his own recognizance by Judge Christine Van Aken on December 12, 2022. This decision came after prosecutors failed to present a preliminary hearing within the legally mandated 60-day period. Wright had been arrested on October 13, 2022, on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, elder abuse, and battery for allegedly attacking an 88-year-old woman in Chinatown, an incident that left the victim with a broken nose and other injuries.

Similarly, Patrick Thompson, 25, was initially released on his own recognizance on April 28, 2022, after prosecutors did not bring him to trial within the required timeframe. Thompson was accused of punching a 70-year-old woman in the face in the Tenderloin District. Following widespread public criticism and a motion from the District Attorney's office, Judge Christine Van Aken reconsidered her initial order and subsequently mandated Thompson remain in custody, setting bail at $50,000.

A social media post by "Susan Dyer Reynolds" criticized "Judge Compton" for releasing both individuals, describing them as "violent lunatics fueled by drugs." However, court records and news reports confirm that Judge Christine Van Aken presided over the releases of both Zavien Wright and Patrick Thompson, not a Judge Compton. The procedural releases, particularly in cases involving elderly victims, have consistently sparked outrage among community members and advocates.

The San Francisco District Attorney's Office, under both former DA Chesa Boudin and current DA Brooke Jenkins, attributed these prosecutorial delays to staffing shortages within the office. These incidents highlight the ongoing tension within the justice system between upholding defendants' rights to a speedy trial and ensuring public safety, particularly when procedural technicalities lead to the release of individuals accused of serious crimes.