A man who savagely assaulted two women in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood in 2021 has been convicted of multiple charges, according to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. The attacker, 29-year-old Javon Knighten, was found guilty in a jury trial for the assault that took place on Steuart Street on October 26, 2021.
Evidence presented by the DA’s office detailed how Knighten attacked a 66-year-old woman near the intersection of Mission Street and Steuart, tackling her as she walked past him and knocking her to the ground.
In response to the attack, a 31-year-old woman chased Knighten on her skateboard. However, Knighten later assaulted her as well, punching, kicking, and stabbing her before being arrested a few blocks away on the 200 block of Market Street after resisting officers.
Knighten was convicted on several charges, including assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury, assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, possession of a concealed dagger, and resisting or delaying an officer.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins voiced strong disapproval of such unprovoked violence, stating, “This jury’s verdict sends a clear message that random, unprovoked violence, will not be tolerated. People who engage in criminal behavior and physically harm our residents will face consequences. My office will always fight for victims and pursue justice in the courtroom.”
Knighten is currently in custody and faces up to 10 years in state prison. His sentencing date will be determined at a hearing on September 29. It’s cases like these that highlight the importance of legal action and the justice system in addressing violent crime and securing the safety and security of residents.