Breaking Update: 2 arrests in connection to North Beach murder

Our condolences go out to the Magnuson family. We are glad to hear that SFPD worked quickly and caught these perpetrators.

via sfexaminer

By: Mike Aldax 03/02/11 4:53 PM

Examiner Staff Writer

Police are investigating the death of Lyn Magnuson, whose body was found at his North Beach jewelry store Tuesday night. (http://lynmagnuson.com/)

A transient woman and a San Francisco man have been arrested connection with the burglary and murder North Beach jewelry store owner.

Police found the body of Lyn Magnuson during a well-being check at his store at Mason and Lombard streets Tuesday night. The victim had suffered a gunshot wound, Interim police Chief Jeff Godown said Wednesday. Magnuson lived and worked on the property, according to his web site.

Neighbors became concerned about Magnuson after he stopped appearing in the neighborhood. He often walked his dog, a German Shepherd, neighbor Roger Foster said. He was in his late 70s and lived alone, Foster added.

On Wednesday, San Francisco police confirmed the arrest of two suspects in the case.

Tanya Rains, 58, a transient woman, was arrested on suspicion of murder and burglary Wednesday. Officer Eric Chaing said that evidence was found linking her to the scene.

Edward Hawk, 31, of San Francisco was also arrested on suspicion of burglary. He is not facing murder charges, Chaing said.

It is unknown if the two worked together.

Foster said Magnuson was very friendly with transients in the neighborhood. The transients would often go to his store to ask for hand outs.

“He was a potential victim for anyone who wanted to come in and strong-arm him,” Foster said. “That seems to be what happened.”

Foster said he last spoke to Magnuson about two weeks ago. It was unclear how long he’d been dead before cops found him Tuesday.

Magnuson had only recently come out of retirement to open the jewelry shop just before the holidays, Foster said. He was very friendly and kind, he said. People in the neighborhood knew him well.

Foster said investigators at the scene said jewelry may have been missing and that a jewelry box was found in a sports complex across the street located behind San Francisco’s North Beach public library branch.

About two weeks ago, Foster asked Magnuson how his business was doing. It did not seem to be doing well due to the economy and newness of the business, Foster said. About 10 days ago, Magnuson began opening his shop on a part-time basis, Foster said.

The shades to his business were drawn while the store was closed, which meant no one could see his body in the shop, Foster said.

Foster became suspicious when Magnuson did not answer the store’s bell when a pair of customers dropped by to see him.

According to his website, Magnuson had more than 40 years of experience designing jewelry. For more than 20 years, he was a street artist who sold his jewelry on Fisherman’s Wharf, he said.

“The store was my last step in my goal to become a master goldsmith,” Magnuson wrote on the web site. “I want to thank all of you people who helped me in my struggle to survive as an artist by buying my jewelry. I’m forever grateful. Thank you, Lyn.”

maldax@sfexaminer.com