Man convicted in North Beach stabbing of homeless man

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- The San Francisco District Attorney announced a conviction Thursday in the stabbing of a homeless man in the city's North Beach neighborhood this past April.

San Francisco DA Brooke Jenkins said Mario Hills, 35, was convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. Jenkins also confirmed the jury found that Hills "personally inflicted great bodily injury on the victim."

Based on testimony and evidence presented at trial, the DA said the jury determined that on April 1, Hills confronted the victim who was laying down on a bench in Washington Square Park. An unprovoked Hills then pepper-sprayed the victim before chasing him around the park, ultimately stabbing him twice in the torso.

“I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial,” said DA Jenkins in a news release. “The jury’s verdict holds Mr. Hills accountable and ensures that he will face consequences for his crimes.  My office will continue to do everything we can to make our city, including our parks, safer for all residents.” 

Hills is currently in custody while he awaits a hearing to learn his sentence.