SF Guard Killed After Baddies Event; Suspect Linked to Rainbow Crew
San Francisco security guard Ulysses 'Bear' Davis, 47, was fatally shot outside the Warfield Theatre early Saturday morning following a chaotic event for the reality TV show 'Baddies USA.' Police arrested 32-year-old Shakia Vanderbilt on Tuesday and charged her with murder, firearm enhancements, and felon in possession. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins linked Vanderbilt to the 'Rainbow Crew,' a notorious retail theft ring active in the early 2010s. The shooting occurred after bear mace was sprayed inside the venue, causing a stampede. Davis’s wife and two children witnessed the incident. Police are investigating whether Vanderbilt bypassed security screening and if the venue held proper permits.
Key points
- Victim Ulysses Davis, known as 'Bear,' was a security guard at the Warfield and a father of six.
- Suspect Shakia Vanderbilt was arrested Tuesday and charged with murder and firearm-related offenses.
- The incident followed a bear mace attack inside the theater during a 'Baddies USA' filming event.
- DA Brooke Jenkins linked Vanderbilt to the 'Rainbow Crew,' a group responsible for $1 million in retail thefts a decade ago.
- Police are investigating how Vanderbilt entered the venue with a weapon and if the event had proper permits.
Background
This incident adds to a series of violent events in San Francisco, including a fatal shooting at Potomac Woods Plaza in September and a Minneapolis mass shooting in early September. Our archive notes that Vanderbilt was previously arrested in 2014 for a stabbing at a TJ Maxx in Daly City, an incident linked to the Rainbow Crew. The current shooting is the 21st homicide in San Francisco this year, up from 19 at this time last year.
How outlets are covering it
SFist and The San Francisco Standard emphasize Vanderbilt's connection to the Rainbow Crew, highlighting her history of retail theft and prior arrests. KTVU and Mission Local focus on the emotional impact on Davis's family, who witnessed the shooting, and the lack of clarity regarding the event's permits. All sources agree on the basic facts of the shooting and the suspect's arrest, but differ in emphasis: SFist and The Standard highlight the criminal background, while KTVU and Mission Local focus on the family's trauma and the venue's security failures. Mission Local notes that police are increasing patrols in the Mid-Market area in response.
Why it matters
The case raises serious questions about security protocols at entertainment venues and the potential for violent individuals to bypass screening. It also highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in San Francisco, with homicides rising compared to last year. The connection to the Rainbow Crew suggests a pattern of violent behavior by individuals with a history of retail theft and evasion of law enforcement.
What to watch
Vanderbilt is scheduled for arraignment on Thursday afternoon, where prosecutors will seek to have her held without bail. Police and city officials plan to review security procedures at the Warfield and other venues. The investigation into the event's permits and the circumstances of the shooting is ongoing.
- Suspect In Warfield Shooting Linked to Notorious Rainbow Crew SFist
- Man shot dead at SF's Warfield Theatre was security guard KTVU
- Ulysses Tykee Davis: Woman charged with murder of San Francisco Warfield Theatre security guard who was a father of 6 ABC7 San Francisco
- Woman charged with murder in Warfield guard’s killing. Family calls loss ‘surreal.’ Mission Local
- Woman accused of fatally shooting security guard at ‘Baddies’ event The San Francisco Standard
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