Hugues de la Plaza

Public screening of the French film "Suicide ou Meurtre : un combat pour la vérité" produced by Pasadena Productions

2010-01-23T17:13:00.000-08:00

Date: Thursday, January 28, 2010
Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Location; Alliance Française San Francisco 1345 Bush Street, San Francisco CA

Agenda

6:30: Synopsis distribution in French and English
6:40: Welcoming and introduction by Christophe Schuhmann
6:45: Film - 90 minutes -
8:15: Questions and Answers with Bill Fazio, attorney at law representing the family, John Murphy, private investigator, Gitanjali Bhushan neighbor next door, Olivier Ngueda friend and co-worker...
9:00: Response to media

The film is in French but in fact all the interviews are audible in English. 70% of the movie is in English even if the narrative is in French.

Thank you to Antoine Baldassari and Marie-Anne Theriez for allowing this to happen.

CBS 48 hours story

2009-11-22T14:23:00.001-08:00

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Doctor Ferenc's report in integrality

2009-11-22T14:13:00.000-08:00

Page 1 of 2 (De La Plaza-mjf)
To: Deputy Chief David Shinn, Investigations Bureau
San Francisco Police Department, 850 Bryant St, Rm 400
San Francisco, CA 94103
From: Michael Ferenc, Forensic Pathologist (11 February 2009)
Re: Review of death scene/autopsy findings of Mr. Hugues De La Plaza
(SFPD Case # 070-557-605, SFMEO # 2007-0642)

As per your request, I have reviewed the crime scene photographs, crime scene video, relevant articles of clothing, and autopsy report related to this gentleman’s death. Inspector Casillas gave me an excellent overview of the case when I met with him and his colleagues this past Friday. It was very thorough and detailed.
In my opinion, the death of Mr. Hugues De La Plaza is a homicide. In the following paragraphs I would like to very briefly highlight some of the more important points that I believe support that conclusion.
As you know, this unfortunate gentleman suffered three stab wounds and was found dead inside his secure residence the morning of 06/02/2007. Extensive blood pattern evidence was seen throughout several of the rooms and on the front door stair area/sidewalk. Of the three stab wounds, the stab wound to the left base of the neck that transected the left subclavian vessels (a large artery and a large vein beneath the collarbone) and penetrated the lung was undoubtedly the most significant injury. Almost certainly, it was the source for most of the bloodshed seen, and copious bleeding from this wound would be immediate or almost immediate. Once this particular injury was inflicted, this gentleman likely would exsanguinate and expire in a matter of a minute or two.
The bloodshed evidence begins on the front door steps and sidewalk. Only one trail of dripped blood (the pattern indicates rapid, fairly active flow) is seen from the stairs to the front door. Throughout the interior scene shoeprints consistent with the decedent’s shoes are seen but none are seen outside (consistent with the decedent’s shoes not yet having walked through his own blood. If this gentleman had inflicted his own wounds in the kitchen area at the other end of the apartment and had walked bleeding to the front door, then one would expect bloody shoe prints and two trails of blood on the outside stairs and landing. Instead blood shoeprints and two trails of blood are seen in the kitchen and hallway indicating a single roundtrip into and out of the kitchen after his soles are bloodstained.). On the concrete wall adjacent to the stair case landing are occasional smaller drops of blood consistent with cast off from the arm movements of a knife being plunged and removed from the decedent (In my opinion, this blood is not consistent with expectorated blood related to the concomitant lung injury. Moreover, despite the rapidity of bleeding expected from his neck wound, based upon the dripped blood on the stairs, the victim does not appear to have remained there long enough for blood to collect in his airways to make cough-propelled blood even possible.).
Page 2 of 2 (De La Plaza-mjf)
The presence of bloody shoeprints consistent with the decedent’s shoes and the absence, on the front stairs and/or front door verge, of expected bloody shoeprints that could belong to an assailant(s) strong suggests that his attacker(s) did not follow him back into his apartment (However, several photographs of the front room indicate that some items have been moved. If the movement of these items is not attributable to emergency responders, then it would suggest that someone else did enter and moved things after bloodshed).
Toxicology revealed only alcohol in the blood (0.11 g/dL) and the vitreous humor (0.10 g/dL). The relative levels in the blood and vitreous humor suggest that the decedent had not yet reached complete absorption/equilibration of alcohol (or that he was continuing to ingest alcohol after arriving home) indicating his death was soon after he returned home.
His stomach contents consisted of a little over 3 ounces of material including peas. On the kitchen countertop was a plate of rice and peas. There is no reason to believe this gentleman had delayed gastric emptying thus suggesting that after returning to his apartment, he had at least briefly begun to eat.
Finally, three autopsy room photographs show a faint, about 3/8 inch long, transverse, linear marking on the palmar surface of the base of the pointer finger of the right hand. This mark is not described in the autopsy report. I am concerned that this mark may be an abrasion or superficial incised wound that represents what is typically called a defense wound.
Summarizing the sequence of events I infer from the reviewed evidence is as follows: Mr. De La Plaza returned home from nightclubbing around 0200 hours and entered his residence. There he ate some food and apparently made phone calls and utilized his computer (this occurred approximately during the next half hour based upon Inspector Casillas’s investigation). For some reason(s) he exited his apartment ( or at least stepped outside to answered his door). Either upon exiting or at his subsequent return, an assailant(s), who was(were) most likely positioned on the lower landing of the stair case, stabbed Mr. De La Plaza while he was on the lower steps. The victim retreated inside the apartment and the assailant(s) most probably did not follow inside. The victim went to the kitchen and returned to the front room bleeding profusely all the time. At some point, he briefly stopped near the overturned television/entertainment center where rapidly bleeding resulted in a large volume of blood on the floor. He soon collapsed from hemorrhagic shock in the front room where he was found.
cc: files/ mjf, ds, jm

In the news accross the Atlantic

2009-09-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you Jaxon Van Derbeken for his article in San Francisco Chronicle.

Thank you to Sarah Phelan for her article in the San Francisco Bay Guardian.

Thank you to Matt Smith for his article in SF Weekly.

Thank you to Emmanuel Reitz and Didier Barral for their story for "Sept à Huit" on French national TV TF1.

Thank you to Vic Lee for her story on ABC7 News.

Thank you to Jaxon Van Derbeken for his story in the SF Chronicle.

François and Mireille de la Plaza will be in San Francisco (for the 5th times) on September 30th, 2009 for 10 days and are expected to meet with Police Chief George Gascón.

More news coverage

2009-09-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

French national newspaper "Le Parisien" with François de la Plaza's interview.

Paris-Match article.

CBS5 Local News. Story was aired on the 6PM news on Sept 5,2009. Use the video scroll on the right side to play the video.

Breaking News August, 2009

2009-08-21T09:44:00.000-07:00

New appointed SFPD Chief Gascón is bringing 2 LAPD officers to work on the case with fresh eyes and said "The goal is to provide closure for the family and find the perpetrator."

Does it mean that the SFPD officially drops the suicide theory? Well say it officially. We've been waiting for more than 2 years now.

Related articles:

Examiner

SF Weekly and also

Bay Guardian

San Francisco Chronicle

Coalition for Justice

2009-06-12T15:46:00.001-07:00

Melissa and I have decided to create a movement "Coalition for Justice" to gather information from other families in disarray victims of the lack of response and investigation from the SFPD and the non-accountability of the elected officials of the City of San Francisco.

Please join our cause and make yourself available offering your time and talents.

Facebook page here

Send an email to christophe.schuhmann@gmail.com for details and meeting schedule.

Latest news coverage following the 2nd year anniversary vigil

2009-06-12T15:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all of you that came Saturday to honor and remember Hugues's memory.

Pictures from Ben Thank you!

NBC11 Lead story 11pm news

France-Amérique article Merci Marie-Amélie Fauchier-Magnan

SF Examiner article Thank you Joshua Sabatini

Vigil to remember Hugues de la Plaza, murdered 6/2007

2009-06-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

Friends of Hugues,
Please join us to remember the second anniversary of Hugues' passing. Bring candles, sake, wine, pictures. Friends of friends welcome. We need to show SF and politicians that we have not relented in our cause. And most of all, we want to remember our dear friend Hugues, who left us too soon.

Host:
Melissa Nix, Christophe Schuhmann

Saturday, June 6, 2009
Time:
7:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:
street in front of Hugues' old apartment
Street:
462 Linden Street
City/Town:
San Francisco, CA

France Info

2009-03-13T10:25:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Sébastien Baer for his in-depth story following his visit in San-Francisco.

"A San Francisco, l’étrange "suicide" d’Hugues de la Plaza"

France-Amérique

2009-03-13T10:18:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Marie-Amélie Fauchier-Magnan

1. "Affaire Hugues de la Plaza: la police de San Francisco privilégie enfin la thèse de l'homicide"

2. "Le long combat des parents de Hugues de la Plaza pour tenter d'élucider sa mort"

ABC National story

2009-03-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

"Mysterious San Francisco Death of French American Prompts International Probe"

New-York Times

2009-03-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Jesse McKinley

"Gruesome San Francisco Death Becomes International Mystery"

Recent stories following Press Conference February 27, 2009

2009-03-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

CBS 5

CBS Local Wire

KTVU 2

ABC 7

SF Chronicle

Associated Press

SF Examiner

SF Weekly

TF1 - French Television -

2009-03-01T10:08:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Guillaume Debré for his 2 stories:

http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/jt/0,,4275811,00-mort-d-un-francais-a-san-francisco-le-combat-d-un-pere-.html

http://tf1.lci.fr/infos/jt/0,,4277300,00-meurtre-de-san-francisco-le-combat-des-parents-.html

Reward Information

2009-02-28T18:12:00.000-08:00

$100,000
REWARD
The parents are offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who murdered their son, Hugues de la Plaza, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. on June 2, 2007 at 462 Linden Street (between Laguna & Octavia Streets) in Hayes Valley.
Call 1-800-989-7551
Complete confidentially guaranteed.

Or write: Mireille & Francois de la Plaza
20 rue Chanoine Bellec
29890, Brignogan, FRANCE

Salon.com has Hugues' story. Vive la presse !

2009-02-28T18:07:00.000-08:00

Salon.com

ABC News - Feb 23 -

2009-02-23T20:26:00.000-08:00

For the first time mayor Gavin Newsom is reacting on the case:

By Heather Ishimaru
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/san_francisco&id=6674968

City Hall Press conference Thurs Feb 26 at Noon

2009-02-21T22:25:00.000-08:00

SF City Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi will host a press conference for Hugues de la Plaza's parents, Francois and Mireille de la Plaza, on the steps of city hall this Thursday, Feb. 26, at noon.

Together, they will ask for answers and accountability for the SFPD's lackluster investigation into Hugues' murder. The French police, who in a historic move sanctioned by the US Department of Justice, took over the investigation from the SFPD in June 2008, have officially ruled Hugues' death 100 % HOMICIDE.

The De la Plazas will also announce a $100,000 reward leading to arrest and conviction regarding the murder of their only child. The money comes from Hugues' life insurance policy.

$100,000 reward offered

2009-02-21T22:19:00.000-08:00

Hugues' parents Francois and Mireille de la Plaza are here in San Francisco to offer a $100,000 reward for information leading to arrest and conviction in the case of Hugues' murder. Their 36-year-old son, who had French and American citizenship, was stabbed to death in his Hayes Valley apartment on June 2, 2007.

The De la Plazas are not rich. They are working class people. The reward money is Hugues' life insurance.

Stay tuned here for more information on where, when and how to share tips regarding Hugues' murder.

Hugues' parents return to San Francisco for the fourth time

2009-02-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

Francois and Mireille de la Plaza have returned to San Francisco for the fourth time to ask for justice for their son, Hugues de la Plaza, who was murdered June 2, 2007.

And this time, Mayor Gavin Newsom, D.A. Kamala Harris, Chief of Police Heather Fong and Police Commission Director Theresa Sparks might want to pay attention - rather than simply pay lip service to those of us who plead for justice.

The French police, who, in a historic move, took over the investigation from the SFPD in June 2008, have formally ruled Hugues' death a MURDER. The De la Plazas are here to ask for answers and accountability from Newsom, Fong and the Homicide Department. And to finally dispel the repugnant rumor that Hugues took his own life.

Recent articles and tv reports

2009-02-21T20:59:00.000-08:00

We want to thank the following journalists and media for their coverage of recent developments regarding the ongoing investigation into Hugues' murder:

San Francisco Chronicle Editorial
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F01%2F27%2FED9915I1A3.DTL

Joe Eskenazi
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2009/01/breaking_news_french_authoriti.php

Jaxon Van Derbeken
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F01%2F26%2FBA4415H831.DTL&tsp=1

Carolyn Tyler
http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news%2Flocal%2Fsan_francisco&id=6626036

Brock Keeling
http://sfist.com/2009/01/27/de_la_plaza_death_tuled_100_percent.php

Arthur Bruzzone
http://www.examiner.com/x-431-SF-Politics-Examiner~y2009m1d28-Getting-away-with-murder-in-deadly-San-Francisco

Marie-Amélie Fauchier-Magnan
http://www.france-amerique.com/articles/2009/01/28/nous-ne-lacherons-jamais-l-affaire-notre-objectif-est-de-retrouver-l-assassin-d-hugues.html

Jackson West
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28915761/

Joe Eskenazi
http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2009/02/with_egg_still_dripping_from_s.php

Jean-Pierre Vergès
http://www.lejdd.fr/cmc/societe/200906/100-000-dollars-pour-elucider-un-meurtre_183851.html

French TV - TF1
http://videos.tf1.fr/video/news/0,,4247602,00-100-000-dollars-pour-connaitre-la-verite-sur-la-mort-de-son-fils-.html

French Press
http://www.letelegramme.com/ig/generales/regions/cotesarmor/brignogan-100-000-dollars-pour-elucider-le-meurtre-de-son-fils-03-02-2009-232825.php

http://www.cyberpresse.ca/international/europe/200902/02/01-823319-france-100-000-pour-elucider-le-meurtre-de-son-fils-aux-etats-unis.php

Others
http://www.foxreno.com/news/18570584/detail.html

March for Justice - A Huge Success!

2008-06-22T21:21:00.001-07:00

WE did it loudly! And WE did it Well!

Last weekend's March was a tremendous success. Thanks to all involved and all of those who lent support and resources to make it happen. We are glad to say that it was heavily followed by all of the local media, and we were the top stories of all news stations on Saturday night.

We have 2 of the broadcasts for you here, please watch:

Photos from the event can be viewed here.

Also, we still have several T-shirts available for $15. If you would like to support our cause, please email Christophe at (christophe.schuhmann @ gmail.com). The shirts come in small, medium, large, and x-large. The front and back images of the shirt are below.

Thank you all for your support and help. And a special thanks to the Marchers, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, Zambelli, and all of the local media that reported this very important story.

We have started a movement that will be heard for the generations to come. This is just the beginning...

French come to investigate Hugues' death = Media Frenzy

2008-06-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

Here is the latest tally of TV news reports and newspaper accounts of the French police arriving to further investigate Hugues' murder. We are glad to say that Hugues murder is getting some long overdue attention.

The SF police have been scurrying to look alive after neglecting this case for more than a year. Please March with us on June 14th to keep the momentum going.

Today would be Hugues' 38th birthday: Born June 11 1970. Died June 2, 2007.

CBS5 Channel 5
French Authorities Investigate Suspicious SF Death

KTVU Fox Channel 2
French Authorities Arrive In City To Probe 2007 Stabbing Death
Article
Video

NBC11 Channel 3
French Cops Reinvestigate Fatal SF Stabbing

KGO ABC Channel 7
French detectives try to solve SF murder

TF1 National French Television
La mort d'un Français suscite les interrogations

KRON 4
French Authorities Arrive in SF to Probe Suspicious Death
Article
Video

KCBS
Radio Piece

San Francisco Chronicle
French judge to aid in puzzling SF death probe, by Jaxon Van Derbeken

San Fransico Examiner
French sleuths granted access for interviews, by Brent Begin
French investigators launch probe into mysterious death, by Brent Begin

True Crime Diary
A Real-Life Locked Room Mystery

Lets hold the SFPD and the city government accountable for a year-long wait.

2008-05-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

March for Justice

We are organizing a march in San Francisco on June 14 to demand justice for our murdered friend Hugues de la Plaza, as well as for some 350 murders in recent years that have yet to be solved - or worse yet - be properly investigated by the San Francisco police.

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2008
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Hall of Justice -
Street: 850 Bryant Street
City/Town: San Francisco, CA

Facebook Event
Yahoo Upcoming Event

We are asking for your support on this march in body - or in spirit. We, and others friends and family members of SF homicide victims, will march on the Hall of Justice and City Hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday June 14 to demand that the San Francisco police and city officials do their job.

Please find our itinerary for the march, including the meeting spot. The march will end with an 8 p.m. vigil in front of Hugues' apartment, 462 Linden Street. Also, please find below slogans, posters and flyers that you can download for the march. The more visual our statement, the better! And please, please encourage your like-minded friends to join us. This march is not just for Hugues, but for justice and safety of all San Franciscans.

We have serious concerns about the way in which Hugues' murder investigation has been handled. Hugues was an ordinary person, special to few, unknown to many. Regardless, his murder - as well as more than 350 other unsolved murders in San Francisco - deserves a thorough and complete investigation.

Please join our march. Tell a friend.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,
Friends and family of Hugues de la Plaza

Read on for background on Hugues' case:

Hugues de la Plaza, a 36-year old sound engineer was found stabbed to death in his Hayes Valley apartment the morning of June 2nd. Hugues was both an American and French citizen.

In Sept. 2006, the Office of the Legislative Analyst reported, that, from 2004 through Oct. 2006, the city had 253 homicides and only ONE conviction. Worse yet, in 2007, San Francisco experienced the highest murder rate in 10 years, with another 100 homicides committed.

More than a YEAR have passed since Hugues death and yet:

We have learned that the San Francisco Police Department has neglected to test blood, fingernails, fingerprints collected from the crime scene - including PULLED SCALP HAIR found in Hugues' hands.

We still don't have a crime scene report.

Homicide has not replied to Hugues' parents for months. The De la Plazas sent an e-mail FIVE MONTHs ago requesting an update on the case. No reply.

The autopsy report, released EIGHT months after the murder, contains a police narrative with serious errors, including a leading misrepresentation of Hugues' mental state.

We still await the results of DNA analysis of the blood supposedly taken from the crime scene. Was it taken? Processed?

Witnesses and contacts have been neglected, too.

The last person known to have seen Hugues alive called Homicide dozens of times, leaving messages. He was not interviewed for five days.

The last person known to have talked by phone with Hugues also contacted Homicide immediately. Homicide did not return his call for two weeks.

Hugues' next-door neighbor told police who arrived at the crime scene he had heard doors slamming and series of footsteps at 2:38 a.m. the night Hugues was murdered. His information was not recorded

In addition, we are concerned about the lack of electronic expertise within the homicide department.

Hugues' parents were alarmed enough to hire an American private investigator, John Murphy, and alert the French government. The French government then assigned a French police detective to assist Homicide with the case.

If not for this French detective, Hugues' laptop would still sit untouched. Homicide told the French police detective they could not break into it. In September, FOUR months after the murder, the French detective was permitted to bring two IT professionals -- on the French government's dime-- to break into the drive.

Further, Hugues' cell phone was neglected by SFPD for some time. They were unable to analyze his text messages. It has been sent to France for analysis.

Hugues email accounts were not accessed for months. Homicide at first suggested the family pursue the email providers themselves.

Finally, we were told SFPD does not know how to triangulate cell phone signals.

We call on the government of San Francisco, including Mayor Gavin Newsom, SFPD Chief Heather Fong, District Attorney Kamala Harris and the Police Commission to carry out their elected duties to serve and protect the citizens of San Francisco.

We demand a review of the murder investigation and an account for the appalling manner in which is has been handled. We hold you accountable.

Hugues de la Plaza

2007-06-04T18:58:00.001-07:00

Sunday May 25, 2008

Friends and Family would like to thank Karl Vick for the story in The Washington Post.

Frustration With San Francisco Police

-----------------------------------------

Monday May 5, 2008

Friends and Family would like to thank Armelle Vincent for the story in Le Figaro International.

La mort d'un Français en Californie, digne d'un polar

-----------------------------------------

Tuesday April 29, 2008

Jason Dearen, a reporter for the Associated Press, wrote a story a few days ago about French police coming to the US to aid the investigation into Hugues' murder. His story has been picked up around the world, including by the International Herald Tribune:

US-France-International-Whodunit

On behalf of all of Hugues' Friends and Family, Thank You Jason.

Also, for those of you in the region, we are organizing a March in June on the steps of City Hall and the SF Police department to commemorate the 1 Year Anniversary of Hugues's abrupt death and to demand justice for him and other victims. Please let us know if you would like to join.

-----------------------------------------

Tuesday April 1, 2008

Hugues' Murder on Fox National News Tonight

Tune in to Greta Von Susteren's show: On The Record
Tonight on FOX @ 10pm EST/7pm PST

FOX News, On the Record website

Greta, thank you for helping us gain more National news coverage on Hugues' case.

-----------------------------------------

Tuesday April 1, 2008

Friends and Family would like to thank Jaxon Van Derbeken for his front page story in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Mystery behind locked doors: Homicide or Suicide? Man's death a mystery

-----------------------------------------

Tuesday February 5, 2008

Dear Friends,

We are asking you to support a petition asking for justice for Hugues de la Plaza, a San Francisco resident found stabbed to death in his apartment June 2.

It is especially important that you give us your support by Feb. 12, as we will be testifying before the San Francisco Police Commission on Feb 13.

We have serious concerns about the way in which Hugues' murder investigation has been handled. Hugues was an ordinary person, special to few, unknown to many. Regardless, his murder - as well as the 253 other unsolved murders in San Francisco - deserves a thorough and complete investigation.

Please sign the petition below. Tell a friend.

Petition for Justice for Hugues de la Plaza

With thanks from the bottom of our hearts,
The Friends of Hugues de la Plaza.

-----------------------------------------

Thursday January 10, 2007

Friends and Family would like to thank G.W. Schulz for his SF Bay Guardian Blog Post.

Hugues de la Plaza's Autopsy Unveiled

-----------------------------------------

Wednesday September 26, 2007

Friends and Family would like to thank G.W. Schulz for his article in the SF Bay Guardian.

Cold case — The SFPD hasn't solved the homicide of Hugues de la Plaza — so now the French ambassador is getting involved

-----------------------------------------

Sunday September 2nd, 2007

Farewell From Burning Man

Keith and Jean-Paul road their bicycles to the Temple in the afternoon and posted photos of Hugues that I had brought (from Getanjeli). They took their time to find the best place and wrote very nice words on behalf of all of his friends.

I came to the burn with antique wood frames, Hugues Leapfrog guitar toy (working), and a tshirt from 'The Love Makers' that we bought together from Rasputin's back when he was living in Berkeley. We used to wear tshirts together, at the same time, at the numerous events like BM, Decompression, and Love Parade. I was given his tshirt by his parents. I can still smell his incredibly unique and strong scent.

Standing with Jen in front of the Temple with thousands listening to classical music and songs, hearing people all around sweeping back tears, I cried for a long time looking at an immaculate sky full of shiny stars. I thought about Hugues, of course, but not only. I imagined a scene between Hugues and Nicolas my lost son (April 5, 2000), twin if Anais, and how those two may have met and talked about me and life in general. So with those 2 above us came the Burn of the Temple of Forgiveness. What a spectacle! What a heat even from far away! I cried more and Jen constantly caressed me with warm friendly hands. I couldn't have done it without her. Some unexplected loud "Hollas" took place and it was phenomenal!!!!

Walking to the fire, I came across a father with his 2 year old son, Oscar. I gave Oscar the guitar and he started playing with it-obviously content and happy. I gave it to him for the eternity. Then we walked around the fire and it was hot as hell. It was good, very good. I immediately threw the 3 wood frames in the fire, and they burned in seconds.

When the burn was over - meaning all of the aerial structure was down to a gigantic "brasier" - we walked toward it in silence. People were humming in the air some strange litanies. Praying. Sharing. Forgiveness.

I sat down and put Hugues' tshirt on my face, breathing through it and praying. I sent him some words and threw the tshirt on to the burning wood ashes. It was burned and I was relieved.

Watch upon us Hugues de la Plaza.

I love you and miss you tons every day,
Christophe

-----------------------------------------

Thursday August 28, 2007

Friends and Family would like to thank Anne Senges for her article in the France-Ameriques.

Mort suspecte d'un Français à San Francisco : la mobilisation s'organise

-----------------------------------------

Monday August 20th, 2007

We Need Your Help - Can You Please Call?

Two and a half months have passed since Hugues de la Plaza was murdered on June 2nd in his Hayes Valley apartment at 462 Linden Street in San Francisco. There has been very little movement on his case and Hugues' Family and Friends want those in power to be held accountable for the lack of urgency that has been assigned to his case. We need the San Francisco community to stand up and show concern for how the city is handling our homicide investigations. Can you please make a call or 3?

If you wish to voice your concerns, please call the following people/offices to let them know you are worried about how Hugues' investigation is being prioritized and that you are worried about the increase of violent crime in our city. The telephone numbers are listed below after a list of potential Talking Points.

Here's a statistic you could use:
From 2004 through August 2006, San Francisco had 253 Homicides; only one person was convicted. (This statistic comes from a Legislative Analyst's report commissioned by San Francisco Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi)

How easy is it to get away with murder in SF? Very easy, it seems....

TALKING POINTS: (If you wish to use them)

1- The parents hired a private investigator and have turned to an international police force (French) out of frustration and despair. They do not believe the city of SF cares about their son's death. From what we have witnessed, they are right.

2- Two months after his murder, Hugues' email accounts have yet to be accessed, where we believe vital clues lay.

3- Two months after his murder, Hugues' cell phone records have yet to be accessed. They have no idea with whom Hugues talked to the night he was killed.

4- Two months after his murder, the the various online communities Hugues was a part of have not be accessed or understood.

5- Two months after his murder, the SFPD still waits for the results of DNA tests that could yield vital clues. The family has been told they may have to wait another two months.

6- Two months after his murder, the family is not convinced that the SFPD has done their due diligence in interviewing those who wish to be interviewed regarding Hugues' case. They were provided with ~60 names.

We believe a Top down approach will be the most effective approach. Please call those in power and Urge them to rethink how our city is handling our most violent crimes.... Please Urge them to give Hugues' investigation the attention it deserves.

PEOPLE TO CALL:

The Mayor: Gavin Newsom 415-554-6141

*Senior Advisor to the Mayor: Mike Farrah 415-554-5944

*Chief of Police: Heather Fong 415-553-1135

*District Attorney: Kamala Harris 415-553-1751

Deputy Chief of Police: Morris Tabak 415-553-1484

*Chief of Police Investigations: Capt Kevin Cashman 415-553-1481

Chief of Homicide: Lt. John Murphy 415-553-1145 (work) 415 850 5925 (cell)

President of the Police Commission: Teresa Sparks: 415-553-1667

MEDIA:

SF Chronicle Crime Reporter Jaxon Van DerBecken 415 777 7138/415-298-1051

KGOTV (ABC affiliate): 1-888-40-J-Team

KPIX 5: news tip line 415-765-8717

San Francisco Bay Guardian, ask for city or metro desk: 415-255-3100

Thank you All for your help, warm thoughts, and support.
-Hugues' Friends and Family

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Monday August 13th, 2007

Hugues at Burning Man this year

As you know Hugues was a confirmed Burner and went to BM several times. We (so far Mark, Laurent, Keith, Sylvie, Jean-Paul, Jennifer) will install a shrine to his memory in the Temple with pictures, messages, and rubans. The Temple will be burned Sunday. We will put something from Hugues inside the MAN itself just before the BURN.

I can't see a better send off for our dear beloved Friend.

You are all welcome to give us any messages, pictures, or art that you would like to be displayed.
Of course if you are about to go to BM please stop by and join our forces there.

Peace, Love and Green,

Christophe (Camp "Funkee Monkey" located at 9:00 & Habitat)
Mark (Camp "Snow Kone Solar" located at 7:30 and Desert)

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Monday August 6th, 2007

Friends and Family would like to thank Caille Miller (SF CHRONICLE) for her Editorial article.

A city that knows how ... to shrug - SF CHRONICLE Article

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Wednesday July 18th, 2007

Friends and Family would like to thank Mary Spicuzza (SF Weekly) for her article.

Who Killed Hugues De La Plaza - SF WEEKLY Article

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FRANCE - Memorial For Hugues

Friends of Hugues in Paris, who learnt just two days ago the news,
will join from around 8pm at Luis' this Thursday, June 21st, day of
the "Fête de la musique".

61, rue Molière
93100 Montreuil sous Bois
Métro Croix de Chavaux
Google Directions<------

For further info, or if you simply want to call us that evening, you can
reach
Alex: alxbox@gmail.com +33 613 943 082
Djibril: djibril.diakite@gmail.com +33 660 914 385.

SUPER 8 FILM " DRILLING" made by Hugues and friends in 1997
Bike ride around the Paris.

-vous trouverez "drilling" un film super 8 qu'on a fait il y a 10 ans avec
oogha...

SUPER 8 FILM "DRILLING" by Hugues and Friends - 1997

-------------------------------------

NYC Memorial For Hugues

Please join us in New York to remember our dear friend, Hugues de la Plaza, on Saturday, June 30th, 2007, at 6pm.

We will hold a short memorial, which will be followed by fondue, chocolate, wine and lots of dancing to celebrate our love for Hugues. Any music, food, champagne, or other drink that people would like to bring would add to the festivities.

Hugues’ friends are encouraged to participate in the memorial—if you would like to speak, or have more creative ways you’d like to contribute, please let us know. We will be collecting photographs for a slideshow, and will put together an album that we will make available for everyone online.

683 Leonard Street (Herzog/Walsh)
Brooklyn, NY 11222
in Greenpoint, between Meserole Ave. and Calyer St.
G train to Nassau, or L train to Bedford
718 349 9130
Contact Amy at amyherzog@mindspring.com

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In Loving Memory

Hugues de la Plaza

June 11, 1970 – June 2, 2007

Dear all friends of Hugues:

We - his mother, father, his grandmother, all of his family - would like to thank all of you for the many signs of sympathy that you have shown us.

We are infinitely touched, moved, appreciative of your support, your generosity. Once again, a thousand thanks.

We cannot believe that Hugues has left us: he is still here, with his charming smile, present deeply in our hearts.

He was good, generous, very, very, funny, sweet, and happy to be alive. He knew how to share his life with all his friends. But beneath his nonchalant appearance hid a character that could be single- minded.

In France, he had been a conscientious objector, as he did not wish to be placed in a situation where he would be asked to kill anyone.

When resolving conflicts, I have always believed in the effectiveness of non-violence. But, to be non-violent, one must be strong and be able to overcome fear.

Hugues practiced martial arts, French boxing and he had a black belt in karate.

He loved music, motorcycling, philosophy: the Stoics, the Epicureans, the Hedonists and, of course, the modern philosophers: Deleuze, Chomsky, Onfray. His heroes included Ghandi, Thoreau, Martin Luther King, Jesus, and the Buddha.

He loved cats: like him, they are soft, gentle, secretive, and have a taste for freedom.

He had anarchist and completely utopian ideas. He dreamt of an egalitarian society based on love, freedom, tolerance and responsibility. And only one way to attain this: education, education.

He loved America, Americans (above all, American women).

We were proud when he decided to adopt American citizenship. We personally owe a debt to America.

He was attacked by a thug, a man without conscience, consumed by evil.

But what is also awful is that this pain has been transmitted to me, his father,

I feel hatred in myself, and I will not have the strength to forgive what that he did to our son.

Hugues was a man. A true man.

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Dear Friends,

Hugues' parents have arranged a wake for Monday, June 11th from 2pm - 9pm.

Location:
Sullivan Funeral Home
2254 Market St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
Phone (415) 621- 4567

The wake is open to all of Hugues friends.

*note: June 11th would have been Hugues 37th birthday.

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Hugues Story To Air Tonight

KPIX TV (CBS) Channel 5
San Francisco/Bay Area
June 7th - News Clip
http://cbs5.com
You Tube

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The SF Chronicle has a short article on Hugues June 7th , 2007

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Hugues De La Plaza was a close friend to many here in San Francisco, CA. Hugues was senselessly taken away from us on June 2, 2007 in the early morning hours.

Hugues originally from France, moved to NYC and then to San Francisco where he lived for 4 years. He was a lover of music, motorcycles and life. He worked at LeapFrog.com as an Audio Lead.

Hugues was last seen at 2:15am on Haight Street (@ Webster St) en route to his home on Linden St (@ Octavia). His neighbors alerted the police after seeing signs of a struggle outside his home. He was found deceased at approximately 8:00 am, June 2nd with multiple wounds to his body.

Hugues's family (father, mother and grandmother) in France have been notified.

Hugues neighbors have encouraged friends and family to stop by and leave flowers, pictures, poems or candles. Please feel free to stop by Linden Street (between Laguna St. & Octavia St). It is very important that we all support and make sure that Hugues crime is not forgotten and investigated to the fullest

If any body knows of or has heard anything regarding this incident, please help us and respond by contacting the numbers below.

We will never forget you and you are dearly missed!

SF Homicide: 415-553-1145
Homicide Tip Line: 415-575-4444 (100% Anonymous)
Lead Detective in Hugues Investigation - Antonio Casillas: 415-553-1149

THIS IS VERY IMPORTRANT. !!! PLEASE CONTACT THE PRESS !!!
SF Chronicle (SF Crime Beat Editor)
SF Weekly
SF Guardian
The Examiner
Kron 4
KGOTV (ABC affiliate): 1-888-40-J-Team
KPIX 5: news tip line, 415 765 8717

Photos

2007-06-01T15:37:00.000-07:00