James Rickleffs, a San Francisco man found guilty over two years ago in the 2012 murder of a gay hair stylist, was sentenced to 50 years-to-life in state prison August 3.
San Francisco Superior Court Judge Gerardo Sandoval pronounced the sentence at the Hall of Justice at the end of a 90-minute session during which family and friends of the late Steven "Eriq" Escalon had the opportunity to say their piece. "Given Mr.
Rickleffs' age that's essentially equivalent to life in prison," Sandoval said. In 2019, Rickleffs, 55, was found guilty of Escalon's murder as well as of first-degree burglary and petty theft.
The charges stem from 2012, when according to prosecutors Escalon, 28, and Rickleffs met during 440's underwear night in the Castro