Fatal stabbing in Bernal Heights

A man was found stabbed to death on a path in Bernal Heights Park in San Francisco on Thursday morning and police were searching the area for his killer, officials said.

A jogger in the park discovered the body and called police at about 5:30 a.m., said Sgt. Michael Andraychak of the San Francisco Police Department.

“Officers responded and found a male victim. He was suffering from apparent stab wounds,” Andraychak said.

Paramedics went to the scene and declared the victim, who was stabbed multiple times, dead.

Detectives began a homicide investigation and police fanned out in the park searching for the killer. No arrests were immediately made.

Residents taking morning walks or jogs in the park were stunned to see police cars lining Bernal Heights Boulevard, the main road leading into the park.

As a medical-examiner van drove under crime-scene tape at the intersection of Bernal Heights Boulevard and Anderson Street, residents of the neighborhood cautiously tried to continue with their morning routines. People changed their jogging routes to avoid the crime scene, running away from the park. Others climbed hills that surround the area, taking in the view that overlooks San Francisco.

A 42-year-old man who has lived down the street from the park for more than a year came out at 6 a.m. to walk his dog and found crime-scene tape was already up and the homicide investigation under way.

“This is a really popular park,” he said. “I’m amazed that something like this would happen.”

Anyone with information on the slaying should call the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411.