Woke San Francisco judge set to grant early release to 91-time felon just five years after he killed two women while high on meth
By Emma Richter
Daily Mail
Oct 6, 2025
Troy McAlister could be released from jail by San Francisco Superior Court Judge Michael Begert just five years after he allegedly mowed down two women in hit-and-run
A San Francisco judge is considering granting early release to a 91-time felon just five years after he allegedly killed two women while driving high on meth.
Career criminal Troy McAlister was arrested in 2020 after he fatally struck two women, Hanako Abe, 27, and Elizabeth Platt, 60, on New Year's Eve in a crosswalk, according to authorities.
McAlister, who was on parole and allegedly operating a stolen vehicle while high on meth and under the influence of alcohol, is facing vehicular manslaughter charges over their senseless deaths.
But now the alleged killer could see the light of day again as Superior Court Judge Michael Begert is set to possibly have McAlister avoid prosecution through a diversion program.
On Friday, McAlister appeared in court with his attorney Scott Grant who requested his client's case be transferred to Drug Court, an intensive treatment program overseen by Begert.
Angry protestors also gathered outside the Hall of Justice to demand justice, chanting against McAlister's possible release.
'Troy McAlister has been charged with 81 felonies over the course of his multi-decades career here in San Francisco, and we don't think that someone should be given infinite chances to ultimately correct course,' Scotty Jacobs, the director of the grassroots organization Blueprint for a Better San Francisco, told KTVU.
Jacobs, who said McAlister has been 'repeatedly released back to the streets' through the diversion process, stood with others to fight for justice for Abe and Platt.
Judge Begert is set to possibly have McAlister avoid prosecution through a diversion program that would see him enter rehabilitation and exit jail
'While there are certain people who should be granted diversion and ultimately given the opportunity to rebuild their lives, Troy McAlister has demonstrated that despite being given that opportunity multiple times, he has continued to pose a threat to San Franciscans and we believe he needs to be in jail.'
Protestors gathered nearly 30 minutes before McAlister was due in court as they held up signs with pictures of Abe and Platt on them.
Forrest Liu, an activist with Stop Asian Hate, echoed Jacobs' concerns over the alleged killer being set free.
'You had an individual who had committed 91 felonies and they had been let out and given a second chance, a third chance, a fourth chance, and they ended up stealing a car and killing two innocent women,' Liu told Abc 7 News.
Blueprint for a Better San Francisco went on to credit District Attorney Brooke Jenkins for pushing for restoring focus on public safety following the recall of former DA Chesa Boudin.
Boudin was booted from the role after facing increased scrutiny for being too soft-on-crime, specifically with repeat offenders like McAlister.
Boudin was sworn into office on January 8, 2020 after running on the promise to take a new approach to crime by not prosecuting lower-level offenses. He lasted just two years as the San Francisco DA.
In response to pushing for his client to be released through the rehabilitation program, Grant acknowledged the 'extremely tragic case that he said 'was overcharged.'
A crowd of protestors gathered outside the Hall of Justice Friday to demand justice for the victims and see that their accused killer stays behind bars
'I want to acknowledge that this is an extremely tragic case. Mr. McAlister and I both offer our sincere condolences to the families of Ms. Abe and Ms. Platt, and I assure you that Mr. McAlister mourns for them and their families every day,' Grant told KTVU.
'He remains open and willing to apologize to the families for his part in their loved ones’ deaths.'
Still, Grant said he does not believe his client got a fair shake for his alleged crimes.
'We have always believed that this case was overcharged, and we have always intended to seek diversion. We were waiting to file a motion for diversion until after the preliminary hearing because we would have had a better idea of what charges remained after a judge reviewed evidence and testimony.
'However, instead of having a preliminary hearing in March, the District Attorney’s Office assembled a secret grand jury where the defense was not present and therefore I did not get to question any of the evidence or cross-examine any of the witnesses. I am still waiting to receive the full transcript from the grand jury, which has only been turned over in part.
'We cannot proceed to trial without having received and reviewed that transcript in full. For now, we are seeking the court’s consideration and approval for diversion.
'We cannot proceed to trial without having received and reviewed that transcript in full. For now, we are seeking the court’s consideration and approval for diversion,' he continued.
McAlister is seen being arrested following the fatal hit-and-run. He was on parole at the time and was accused of ramming into the women with a stolen car while high on meth and under the influence of alcohol
Abe's mother, Hiroko Abe, is seen praying over a memorial set up for her late daughter and Platt following their deaths
Grant said that if his client is allowed to be released, he would receive treatment, including regular check-ins and electronic monitoring. McAlister would also be sent to live in a long-term residential facility.
'Study after study shows that targeted, heavily supervised treatment programs like the kind offered via diversion are less expensive and promote long-term safety far more than incarceration,' the lawyer added.
He is not eligible for mental health diversion because of the DUI charge, the District Attorney's office ruled.
In response, Grant said he would file opposition to the DA's position.
McAlister is due back in court on October 28, and protestors promised to be there again to try and block him from being set free.
The Daily Mail contacted Begert and Grant for comment.
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