Sex worker convicted of killing client in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal jury on Monday found a sex worker guilty of voluntary manslaughter for fatally shooting a client at the Presidio, according to prosecutors.

Leion Butler, also known as Leniyah Butler, 21, of San Francisco, was acquitted of murder in the second degree, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release. Voluntary manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 15 years and a $250,000 fine.

On Nov. 12, 2023, Butler performed a sex act on the victim in the East Beach area and then fired a single shot into his eye after he requested a refund, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors said Butler next took the victim’s vehicle, drove it to Hunters Point and tried to wipe it clean of fingerprints and DNA. Butler spent the rest of that morning scattering the physical evidence, including the weapon used to murder the man.

“We extend our sincere condolences to the victim’s family, whose son and brother was taken from them prematurely, and hope today’s verdict brings some measure of justice,” Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins said in a statement Monday.

Butler, who remains in custody, is slated to be sentenced on June 27, according to prosecutors.