Retired SF Police Deputy Chief and Daughter Killed in Murder-Suicide
A friend described the former deputy chief as happy and looking forward to a new chapter following her decision to divorce her husband, who is suspected of committing the killings.
Former San Francisco Police Department Deputy Chief Ann Mannix, 65, and her 24-year-old daughter, Katie, were killed in their Marin County home by retired police sergeant Kevin Mannix, 68, who then died by suicide, according to authorities.
Just two weeks prior to the incident, Ann Mannix had expressed excitement about her impending divorce, according to friend and attorney Marie Hurabiell. "She was in a great place, she did tell me she was getting divorced, and it was the best thing and she was looking forward to the future," Hurabiell told The California Post. Hurabiell described Ann as someone who was "aglow" and looking forward to a fresh start.
Ann Mannix, who retired from the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) in 2021, was known as a trailblazer for women in law enforcement. She joined the force in the 1980s and was the first woman to join and later lead the department's SWAT team. She rose to deputy chief of the Field Operations Bureau in 2018 and led the Special Operations Bureau the following year.
Retired Captain Alexa O'Brien, who worked with both Ann and Kevin Mannix, described Kevin as a quiet and mild-mannered individual, stating she could never have imagined him committing such violence. "He was very, I don’t know how to say it, but vanilla," O'Brien said, contrasting his demeanor with Ann's more commanding presence. She added that he had a "good, easy temperament."
Kevin Mannix retired from the SFPD in June 2018 after 27 years of service. In a farewell letter, he expressed gratitude for his friendships and anticipation of spending more time with family.
Katie Mannix was studying to become a nurse and, like her mother, shared a passion for helping others. A friend described her as "fun, silly, the life of the party."
Ann Mannix was also remembered as a devoted mother who was looking forward to becoming a grandmother. "She was a wonderful mother. She had high hopes of being a grandmother soon," the friend recalled.
Marin County sheriff's deputies responded to a report of gunfire at the family's home on Sunday evening and discovered the three deceased individuals upon entering the residence. The sheriff's office stated there is no known threat to the community. The San Francisco Police Department and the Mayor's office have expressed their grief over the tragic loss.