The nephew of a former deputy police chief in San Francisco has expressed his grief following the tragic murder-suicide involving his aunt and her daughter. He described the event as leaving their family “heartbroken” and “forever changed.”
Retired Deputy Chief of Police Ann Mannix, 65, and her 24-year-old daughter Katie were shot by Ann’s husband, Kevin Mannix, 68, who then turned the gun on himself on Sunday evening, according to authorities.
The bodies were discovered in their home located in Marin County, which is situated across the bay from San Francisco.
Brendan Mannix, the nephew, remembered Ann as a pioneering figure who supported women advancing within the San Francisco Police Department, while he described Katie as a compassionate aspiring nurse who frequently shared uplifting messages with family and friends.
He also condemned his uncle Kevin for the “senseless act of violence” that left him struggling to find the right words to express his feelings. Brendan shared his sorrow on Facebook, saying, “My beloved aunt, retired Deputy Chief Ann Mannix, and my dear cousin, Katie Mannix, lost their lives in a senseless act of violence. We’re heartbroken, lost for words, and forever changed.”
Brendan noted that Katie was on the verge of achieving one of her dreams. “Katie had her whole life ahead of her. She was close to following in her older sister Lauren’s footsteps and becoming a nurse,” he wrote.
He fondly recalled how Katie would send random texts to express her love or provide encouragement during tough times. “She had such a big heart and a way of making people feel special. It really hurts knowing she won’t have the chance to pursue her dreams,” he added.
Reflecting on his aunt’s career, Brendan said, “My aunt Ann was a pioneer in the SFPD. She rose through the ranks to Deputy Chief, always remaining committed to supporting the women following in her footsteps. I’m so proud of her accomplishments and the example she set.”
Brendan also, having served as a cop in San Francisco himself, reminisced about the honor of working alongside his family. “I’ll always treasure that,” he mentioned.
He extended his gratitude to those who offered support in this devastating time, saying, “Your love and support mean more than I can put into words.” Brendan urged everyone to keep his two surviving cousins in their prayers as the family copes with the loss.
“I know I’ll carry this loss for the rest of my life. Aunt Ann and Katie, I love you both and miss you more than I can say. I find comfort knowing our Lord and Savior is holding you in His arms, free from pain and suffering. Until we meet again,” he concluded.
San Francisco police confirmed the incident, with Chief Derrick Lew communicating the grim news to the department, expressing that the agency was sharing the information “with heavy hearts.” He urged everyone to keep the family in their thoughts and highlighted the resources available for those affected within the department.
A long-time family friend, who identified herself as Ann’s closest friend for over six decades, also expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “This is so sad for me. She was my best friend for 60 years. I love her; she didn’t deserve this.”
Authorities responded to the scene around 5 p.m., finding all three deceased inside the residence. Initial reports of shots fired came from the Strawberry Circle neighborhood, an unincorporated area east of Mill Valley. Responders arrived quickly, but the individual who called to report had left the premises.
The area surrounding the home was promptly secured as investigators worked on gathering more details. Authorities assured the community that there was no ongoing threat.
Ann Mannix had a notable career in the San Francisco Police Department, leading initiatives and breaking barriers, such as being the first woman to serve on and command the SWAT team. She became deputy chief of the Field Operations Bureau in 2018 and later led the Special Operations Bureau.
Kevin Mannix, Ann’s husband, retired from the SFPD in June 2018 after 27 years on the force. Family members disclosed that while Ann and Kevin faced challenges in their relationship, they did not anticipate such an incident, and they were not estranged at the time.
In a farewell letter upon his retirement, Kevin reflected on the friendships he had cultivated during his career and expressed a hope to spend more time with family.
After the tragic events, the San Francisco Police Officer’s Association released a statement expressing their sorrow, noting the profound impact of this loss on their community. “The tragic loss of retired Deputy Chief Ann Mannix, her daughter Katie, and retired Sergeant Kevin Mannix in a suspected murder-suicide has left our entire SFPD family reeling,” they stated, highlighting Ann’s legacy as a trailblazer in law enforcement.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie shared his condolences, acknowledging Ann’s dedication and groundbreaking contributions to the police department, and lamenting the heartbreaking loss of both her and her daughter.
