A San Francisco judge sentenced Lisa Gonzales, 55, to 31 years to life in prison for the 2018 murder and dismemberment of her roommate, Margaret Mamer, in their Mission District home, the district attorney’s office announced today.
Court records show Gonzales repeatedly demanded that Mamer, 61, move out from their residence on the 200 block of 14th Street. Gonzales was the master tenant.
The District Attorney’s office said that, despite being offered various legal ways to evict Mamer, Gonzales said, “No thanks, I’ll do it my way.”
According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, Mamer had been reported missing on June 1, 2018, after friends grew concerned over her apparent disappearance. When the house’s third roommate asked about Mamer, Gonzales reportedly replied, “she left, but not the way she wanted to.”
Mamer’s friends said they were aware of “existing tensions” between her and Gonzales. The next day, a “concerned citizen” reported to police, accusing Gonzales of murder. Police then arrived at the Mission District home and asked Gonzales about her roommate. Gonzales said Mamer moved out of town to Eureka two weeks prior.
Police then searched Gonzales’ home, and found the missing body in a blue plastic container in the house’s basement. The San Francisco Police Department said further investigation found Mamer’s blood spattered “all over Ms. Gonzales’ bathroom, despite Ms. Gonzales having cleaned it with bleach.”
According to charging documents, Mamer could have died anytime between May 13 and June 2.
The death came via “multiple sharp force injuries to the face, head, and chest,” an autopsy by police investigators revealed. Gonzales was sentenced for second degree murder.
“The court’s sentence will ensure that Ms. Gonzales is held accountable for this heinous crime,” San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said.
“While the victim’s family and friends had to wait far too long for this day to come, we are grateful for their trust in our office and the team on this case to deliver justice.”
Why only 31 years for Gonzalez — which works out to about 6 months for every 12 months of her victims life — and not life-long accommodation in the “big house” (with many roommates) courtesy of the taxpayers?
she’s 55, so +31 years is 86. that’s basically life.
Should have got life. Anyone who’s been in an abusive roommate situation knows how these people are.
Was there any inquiry into the mental health of Lisa Gonzales? Who was her attorney? Did you speak with her attorney as part of the investigation of this story? What has been going on with the investigation since 2018?