Hells Angels Gang Leader Killed

(San Francisco, California) The 45-year-old head of the Hells Angels in San Francisco, Mark "Papa" Guardado, was fatally shot last night on a Mission District street during a fight with a suspected rival motorcycle gang member.

"They had a wrestling match first," said Lt. Mike Stasko of the San Francisco police homicide detail. Then "the guy shot him, and he got on his motorcycle and left."

Mark Guardado shot last night in SF Mission District.
Guardado died at San Francisco General Hospital.

Attorney Patrick Ciocca, who once defended Guardado, said he was "absolutely devastated" by the death, characterizing the Hells Angels leader as a "wonderful human being."

At the street corner where Guardado was shot, across from a bar and a nail salon, there was a makeshift memorial where someone had written in large, black letters, "R.I.P. Papa Frisco."

Nearby, others wrote "never forget" and "we will always love you." Five burned-out candles lay nearby.

An opposing view of Guardado is generally expressed by criminal prosecutors. To them, he was an extremely dangerous gang member.

Members of the Hells Angels at their clubhouse declined to comment on Guardado's death. Photo by Fred Sharples.

Also: The Jawa Report


[Update 10/8/08]

Suspect Christopher Ablett is in custody in Oklahoma, awaiting extradition to California.