Shove an Elder to Death? Get Diversion

A woman accused of shoving an Asian elder to death is about to get a diversion hearing instead of facing trial—while another man just slapped an Asian BART passenger in the face with zero fear of consequences. This is what zero accountability looks like.

Two Attacks, One Pattern

Thea Brenda Hopkins isn’t just connected to one attack on an Asian elder. According to The Voice of San Francisco, she’s linked to two separate incidents: one resulting in the shoving death of a woman in July 2024, and another leading to charges of assault and elder abuse in March 2025. She’s out on bail, free to walk the streets while her victims’ families wait for justice.

Meanwhile, the attacks keep coming:

The frustration from community members is palpable. As one local activist put it: “These perpetrators know there are zero consequences for assaulting and killing Asian men, women and children in SF.”

The Diversion Dodge

Hopkins has already failed to appear at two prior hearings. Her case has been stalled seven times in less than six months. Now she’s angling for diversion—a treatment program instead of prison.

The defense is seeking a DSM-5 diagnosis—likely “Substance Use Disorder,” the go-to excuse for avoiding accountability. The Voice of San Francisco reports that diversion participants commit an “alarming number of new offenses” while enrolled in these programs. This isn’t rehabilitation—it’s a revolving door.

And the problem is getting worse. SF Drug Court petitions tripled to 1,909 in 2025, now including defendants charged with attempted murder and armed robbery. The system built to help minor offenders is being gamed by violent criminals.

Community Fighting Back

Asian American community groups aren’t taking this lying down. Stop Crime Court Watch, Chinatown Volunteer Coalition, and Chinatown Patrol Volunteers have been showing up in court to monitor judicial discretion and advocate for victims. They’ve seen too many cases fall apart.

The Watson verdict proved their fears justified. Antoine Watson was acquitted of murder despite video showing him rush 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee from 50 yards away, shoving him so hard he hit a wall and died two days later. The Chronicle reported he was only convicted of involuntary manslaughter. “Grandpa Vicha” inspired the Stop Asian Hate movement—and his killer still escaped murder conviction.

L

Liz4SF

@incitafusio

These perpetrators know there are zero consequences for assaulting & killing Asian men, women and children in SF. Thea Brenda Hopkins will get diversion hearing under Judge Begert on Mon Jan 12th in Dept 18. She shoved an Asian elder to death. thevoicesf.org/thea-brenda-hopkins-out-on-bail-a-gamble-with-public-safety

Jan 9, 2026

8 8 45 14.2K

The Hopkins diversion hearing on January 12 in Department 18 is a test of whether SF’s courts will prioritize procedural maneuvering over community safety. Asian American community groups are watching—and so should we all.

Follow @garrytan for more.