Repeat felon seeks diversion after 2020 SF crash that killed two
Troy McAlister, a 50‑year‑old San Francisco parolee with an alleged 91‑count criminal record, has asked a county superior court to allow mental‑health and substance‑abuse diversion under California Penal Code §1001.36 nearly five years after a Dec. 31, 2020, methamphetamine‑fueled crash in downtown San Francisco that is accused of killing pedestrians Hanako Abe (27) and Elizabeth Platt (60). The filing by attorney Scott Grant has prompted protests outside the San Francisco Hall of Justice and public calls to block diversion, with community groups and victims' families urging the judge to deny the request.
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📌 Key Facts
- Defendant: Troy McAlister, age 50, reported to have 91 prior felonies
- Legal action: attorney Scott Grant filed a motion seeking diversion under California Penal Code §1001.36 (mental‑health/substance‑abuse diversion)
- Fatalities: crash on Dec. 31, 2020 in downtown San Francisco allegedly killed Hanako Abe (27) and Elizabeth Platt (60)
- Location/impact: protests held outside San Francisco Hall of Justice; local groups threaten to recall Judge Michael Begert if diversion is granted