Suspect ID'd in killing of Australian tourist in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A Southern California man has been charged in the murder of Australian tourist visiting San Francisco.
San Francisco police announced Monday that 34-year-old David Murillo from Hesperia, California has been charged with the murder of 33-year-old Australian tourist Matthew Bate.
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Bate was killed early Friday during a physical fight outside his hotel, The Da Vinci Villa on Van Ness Ave.
Police say Bate and his friends were returning to the hotel when the fight began. The motive remains unclear, and it's unknown if Bate knew the suspect.
"At least four Hispanic men were thrown on the ground in front of our room. I watched out of the peephole for about an hour. They were asking them questions ended up handcuffing them," witness Adriana Jimenez said.
The San Francisco district attorney's office says Murillo could be in court on Tuesday for an arraignment hearing.
A memorial service for Matthew Bate will be held Tuesday in his hometown of Ocean Grove, Australia.
The Ocean Grove cricket club, where bate was a member will hold a ceremony for him.
The club's Facebook page posted this statement: "Matty Bate was taken from us too soon, he'll be sadly missed by all. Our heartfelt sympathies are with his family."
Family members may be coming to San Francisco to bring Matthew's body back to Australia.
