Ann Mannix and Katie Mannix
A former deputy chief of the San Francisco Police Department and her 24-year-old daughter were found dead with her retired police officer husband at a California residence on Sunday evening. Authorities are investigating the incident as a suspected murder-suicide.
Ann Mannix, 65, previously held the position of deputy chief at the San Francisco Police Department. She and her 24-year-old daughter, Katie, were found dead at the property, along with Ann’s husband, Kevin Mannix, 68, a retired police sergeant. Investigators are examining the deaths as a suspected murder-suicide.
The tragedy has left San Francisco’s law enforcement community devastated. Ann was celebrated for breaking barriers as the first woman to join the department’s SWAT team and later become its leader, according to the New York Post.
During her distinguished career, she also advanced to senior positions overseeing two major operational divisions within the department.
Investigation underway
The three individuals were found at a home in Marin County, situated across the bay from San Francisco, after deputies responded to reports of gunfire on Sunday evening.
Ann’s service and accomplishments within the San Francisco Police Department extended across several decades.
According to department records, she was appointed deputy chief of the Field Operations Bureau in 2018. The following year, in 2019, she assumed a leadership position in the Special Operations Bureau.
Police Chief Derrick Lew informed department personnel of the deaths, describing the news as something the department received “with heavy hearts.”
He also encouraged employees experiencing difficulties coping with the tragedy to seek available support.
“Please keep their family in your prayers. BSU is available to all members who may need it during this difficult time.”
Had a long career in law enforcement
Kevin retired from the San Francisco Police Department in June 2018 after serving on the force for 27 years.
In a farewell letter published by Taraval Station the following month, he recalled the lasting friendships he had developed during his career and shared his plans to spend more time on his personal life.
“I leave the SFPD, but I am taking your friendships with me forever,” he wrote.
The deaths of Kevin, Ann, and their daughter have sparked an emotional reaction from the San Francisco Police Officers Association, which acknowledged the profound impact of the tragedy on both active-duty officers and retired personnel.
In its statement, the organization expressed its grief:
“It is with profound sadness, shock, and heavy hearts that we address the devastating news that emerged out of Marin County on Sunday evening.
“The tragic loss of retired Deputy Chief Ann Mannix, her daughter Katie, and retired Sergeant Kevin Mannix in a suspected murder-suicide has left our entire SFPD family reeling. There are no words that can fully capture the depth of this tragedy, nor are there simple answers to the painful questions we are all asking.
“Ann Mannix was a trailblazer in our department—becoming the first woman to join and lead the SWAT team, and rising to lead both the Field Operations and Special Operations Bureaus.
“Many worked alongside Kevin during his 27 years of dedicated service at Taraval Station and beyond. To see their lives, and the life of their 24-year-old daughter Katie, end in such a horrific and senseless manner is a burden that weighs heavily on every officer, active and retired.”
Her best friend’s heartbreaking goodbye
One particularly personal tribute came from a woman who told The Post that she and Ann had shared a friendship lasting 60 years.
Her heartfelt words conveyed the immense sorrow and disbelief surrounding the former deputy chief’s death.
“This is so sad for me. She was my best friend of 60 years. Love her, she didn’t deserve this.”
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also offered his condolences, paying tribute to Ann’s decades of service to the city and acknowledging the importance of her contributions to law enforcement.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of retired SFPD Deputy Chief Ann Mannix and her daughter, Katie.
“Deputy Chief Mannix dedicated decades of her life to serving San Francisco. She was a trailblazer in the police department, becoming the first woman to join and lead the SWAT team and rising to lead both the Field Operations and Special Operations Bureaus.”
Where to get help
When dealing with mental health difficulties, remember that asking for help is important. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988, or access the online chat service at 988lifeline.org. Another option is the Crisis Text Line, which can be reached by texting MHA to 741741. You can also contact the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.
If your emotional distress becomes unbearable or you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have made plans to end your life, seek immediate assistance from a psychiatric emergency unit or call 911.