Cryptic clue could see alleged California killer teen tried as adult for first time

A mysterious graffiti tag found above the body of 18-year-old Max Maltzman in an abandoned California warehouse became a crucial lead in the investigation of his alleged murderer. This case could mark the first time in over a decade that a minor in San Francisco is tried as an adult.

Maltzman was last spotted at his Lower Nob Hill apartment on January 6, 2023, before being reported missing, as noted by the Daily Mail.

His body, showing signs of blunt force trauma, was discovered on January 23 at the former Hunters Point Naval Shipyard by someone exploring the warehouse for street art.

Prosecutors contend that Maltzman was enticed to the warehouse with the prospect of a party and was subsequently attacked. The perpetrator, whose identity is protected due to age, allegedly attempted to conceal the body under a steel plate.

Above Maltzman’s body, the graffiti tag “EBOK” was spray-painted, with an arrow pointing downward.

Investigators learned from Maltzman’s classmates that a 17-year-old graffiti artist, who attended Raoul Wallenberg High School with Maltzman, allegedly used this tag. This detail was reported by the Mail, citing the San Francisco Chronicle.

Despite the graffiti evidence, the suspect was not identified and apprehended until November 2024, nearly two years post-crime.

Cellphone records and surveillance footage eventually linked Maltzman and his classmate, capturing them entering the warehouse together.

Approximately 20 minutes after entering, Maltzman called 911. Police arrived at the warehouse but found nothing, leaving Maltzman’s body undiscovered until weeks later.

Several teenagers eventually informed investigators that the suspect confessed to killing Maltzman, with one individual claiming to have received a texted photo of the suspect’s bloodied knuckles.

The suspect’s former girlfriend alleged that Maltzman was murdered because he had boasted about committing a sexual assault, a charge that authorities have found unsubstantiated.

Maltzman’s parents, Reed Maltzman and Jennifer Gosselin, expressed their disgust to the Chronicle over the rumor spread by the defendant to justify the murder of their son.

In court, Gosselin recounted the gruesome scene where her son was discovered, with blood on the walls and his body hidden underground, marked by the killer’s tag. She remarked on the calculated and brutal nature of the murder.

The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office aims to move the case to adult court due to the violent nature of the crime. The defense argues for juvenile court, citing the defendant’s previous fentanyl addiction and immaturity.

“While it looks like there was some planning by [the defendant], this isn’t an ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ caper,” his lawyer stated. “Planning a fake party and asking someone to go to it is not the definition of high sophistication.”

Should the case remain in juvenile court, the defendant would be released before turning 25.

If tried in adult court and convicted, the defendant could face a sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

Judge Anne Costin is set to decide on Tuesday whether the defendant, now 21, will be tried as an adult.

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