On New Year’s Eve 2020, authorities reported that a man high on methamphetamine was driving a stolen vehicle when he ran a red light, resulting in the deaths of two women: 27-year-old Hanako Abe and 60-year-old Elizabeth Pratt.
The individual involved is Troy McAllister, a 30-year-old who had a lengthy criminal history that plagued San Francisco but managed to avoid serious consequences.
This incident wasn’t merely an unfortunate accident. It reflects the extreme recklessness of the criminal justice systems in California and San Francisco. The deaths could have been avoided if more rational and empathetic individuals had been in control.
Earlier in 2020, the then San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, who was later removed from office, made a plea arrangement that allowed McAllister to be freed. At that time, he was detained for a robbery charge from 2015, but Boudin’s decision released him.
The court records from that day are quite shocking.
After finalizing the plea deal, Judge Loretta Giorgi told McAllister, “We wish you all the best.” To which McAllister asked if he could remove his ankle monitor, and surprisingly, she agreed.
McAllister then inquired about some extra credit time, and whether that meant being on parole still. Giorgi directed him to consult with his parole officer.
After gaining his freedom, McAllister returned to what he knew—criminal behavior.
In just 11 days following his release, he faced multiple felony arrests. Even with these issues, his parole remained unrevoked. It’s shocking that his December 20th arrest occurred only 11 days before the fatal incident that killed Abe and Pratt.
Despite these arrests, Boudin refrained from filing any new charges against him. McAllister was once again free, and tragically, that freedom came at a high cost—the lives of two individuals.
Fast forward to 2025, where there are ongoing discussions about McAllister’s future.
During a recent hearing, his attorney, public defender Scott Grant, argued that his client should enter a rehabilitation program instead of serving time. Thankfully, Judge Michael Begert rejected this request.
In his remarks, Judge Begert emphasized the serious consequences of McAllister’s actions and stressed the importance of accountability within the justice system.
McAllister has pleaded not guilty to charges, including two counts of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.
He is set to appear in court on November 15th to discuss the next steps in his case.
In contrast, consider David DePaap, who attacked Paul Pelosi in October 2022. DePaap, aiming to kidnap Nancy Pelosi, ended up injuring her husband, resulting in severe physical harm.
DePaap was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 30 years for his crimes, all within a relatively short timeframe.
This stark contrast raises some questions: if one attacks a prominent political figure, the legal repercussions are swift and significant. However, in cases like McAllister’s, which involve the loss of innocent lives, the justice system appears to take a much more lenient approach, often in the name of “social justice.”
In short, the situation presents a disturbing picture of justice. The city of San Francisco, along with the families of Hanako Abe and Elizabeth Pratt, deserves a system that serves them better.
