Famed Bay Area personal injury attorney Anh Phoong has filed a wrongful death claim against California’s parole division, accusing them of causing the death of Hanako Abe. Hanako Abe, a 27-year-old San Francisco woman, was tragically killed by parolee Troy McAlister on New Year’s Eve 2020. The legal filing is based on a “whistleblower” email from a source within the state agency.
According to the claim, the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s parole division ignored a plea from the Daly City Police Department on December 29 to help locate McAlister, who was suspected of committing a violent carjacking while out on parole. Despite repeated warnings about McAlister’s criminal activities while on parole, the parole division allegedly failed to take appropriate action.
McAlister had been arrested multiple times while on parole in 2020 and had allegedly robbed a woman near a fast food restaurant in Daly City on December 29. The Daly City police requested parole agent Roberto Vasquez to help locate and arrest McAllster for felony carjacking and brandishing a firearm against a girlfriend. However, Vasquez reportedly ignored the request for assistance, despite having access to McAlister’s GPS coordinates, known residences, and ankle monitor data.
Two days later, McAlister, allegedly high on methamphetamines, struck and killed Hanako Abe and another woman, Elizabeth Pratt. This tragic incident raised questions about why McAlister was free despite his criminal history. The claim filed by Phoong alleges that parole agents Vasquez, Rhoderick Reyes, and Tom Porter failed to supervise McAlister during his third stint on parole.
An internal email, dated May 11, 2020, revealed that parole supervisors had issued a “direct order” to not provide agency assistance or search for violations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This directive may have contributed to the lack of action taken against McAlister despite his repeated arrests.
Hanako Abe’s family is seeking justice and accountability for her untimely death. Phoong emphasized the need for change to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. McAlister had sought mental health diversion last year, but his request was denied by the court.
The case highlights the importance of proper supervision and intervention in parole cases to ensure public safety and prevent further harm. The legal battle for justice for Hanako Abe continues as her family seeks closure and accountability for her tragic death.
