Death of a Loiterer: 15-Year-Old Could be Most Callous Killer Yet

The definition of "capital crime" is in flux here in San Francisco.

The descent of Western Civilization shifted into passing gear last weekend, when a 15-year-old allegedly shot dead 18-year-old Michael Price, Jr.at the Metreon for the ultimate crime -- failing to step to the right while traveling on the escalator.

Witnesses said the youth threatened to open fire during the argument, saying, "I'll pop a cap in your ass."

The suspect told police that Price turned around and appeared to take a fighting position and that was when the 15-year-old got out the gun and fired.

"This was a senseless, stupid shooting," said Inspector Mike Mahoney of the San Francisco police homicide detail. "He wasn't walking fast enough - that is what he told me.

"This never should have happened."

You can read the Chronicle article here; extra points to those who can make it through without shaking their heads.

More on crime in the city throughout the day...

-- Joe Eskenazi