5 slapped with criminal raps over Brussels Street slay

SAN FRANCISCO – District Attorney George Gascón announced Wednesday that five defendants have been charged for crimes related to the murder of a bound and gagged man found on Brussels Street, in San Francisco’s Portola neighborhood.

“The facts of this case read like a movie script and are very disturbing,” said Gascón. “It is important for the public to know that this was not a random act as the victims and defendants knew one another. Thanks to the great work of SFPD, these suspects have been arrested and taken into custody.”

On Sunday, December 9, 2012 at approximately 8:34 p.m., a male victim and a female victim were found bound and suffering from serious injuries on the 900 block of Brussels Street. The male victim was shot in the neck and eventually died later that night at San Francisco General Hospital. The female victim was beaten badly but survived her injuries.

Police investigators developed information that led to a residence in Hercules. Investigators contacted the occupants who were subsequently brought to the Hall of Justice for questioning. Investigators have determined that this was not a random act. The victims and the suspects knew one another and have well established relationships.

Three of the five persons – Vincent Bell (aka Jonathan Stewart, aka Vince Miller), age 31, Heather Leach (aka Krystal Gillespie aka Snow), age 24, Montrail Brackens, age 21 – were charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, felonious assault and conspiracy to commit assault. Bell is also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.

Additionally, Vincent Bell (aka Jonathan Stewart, aka Vince Miller), Heather Leach (aka Krystal Gillespie aka Snow), Tyler Miller, age 19, and Maryann Manalastas, age 22, are charged with accessory to murder and conspiracy to destroy evidence.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with additional information regarding this incident or these individuals is encouraged to contact Sergeant Scott Warnke, Inspectors Daniel Dedet or Robert Velarde at the Homicide Detail, (415) 553-1145.