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Family and Native community demand justice; supervisors pledge follow‑up after death of Jessica Nicole Alva
Summary
Dozens of family members, Native community leaders and advocates called on the district attorney and police to investigate the death of Jessica Nicole Alva, a Bay Area mother whose death was reported April 2019; several supervisors pledged to seek a formal request to the District Attorney and follow up with the police department.
During the public comment period at the April 16 Board of Supervisors meeting, family members, Native community leaders and advocates urged the city to pursue a thorough investigation into the death of Jessica Nicole Alva, a 35‑year‑old mother who died on April 6 and whose death has drawn community concern.
Speakers described Alva as an active community member, advocate and mother of six whose death, family members said, bears signs inconsistent with suicide. Several relatives and community leaders asked the Board to request the District Attorney’s Office conduct an investigation and to require transparency and accountability from the San Francisco Police Department.
Supervisor Brown asked that the Board formally request District Attorney George Gascón investigate the case; Brown stated on the record that the DA should investigate. Supervisor Walton said he would follow up with the Police Department and indicated his office would pursue additional steps on behalf of the family. Supervisor Ronan said her office is preparing an advocacy office to assist victims and survivors and pledged support to the family.
Family testimony included direct statements: Jessica’s sister Sarah Alba told the board, “I believe my sister did not kill herself,” and other relatives and Native‑led organizations underscored that missing and murdered indigenous women is a statewide and national crisis that the family and community say requires thorough action.
Quote "DA George Gascon, please investigate this case," Supervisor Brown said at the meeting.
Why it matters The family and Native community leaders said the San Francisco Police Department’s initial response left questions unanswered and asked for broader city involvement and independent review. Several supervisors committed to seeking a formal request to the District Attorney and to follow up with the Police Department. Community advocates said attention from elected officials is necessary to ensure investigative resources and transparency.
