Valentino Amil, a 31-year-old man from California, has been charged with the murder of 74-year-old Dannielle Spillman, who was killed after a confrontation at a gas station in San Francisco on April 13. Amil is accused of intentionally running over Spillman with his car after an argument about his vehicle blocking the sidewalk, prosecutors say.
The Incident
The tragic event unfolded at a Chevron gas station located at 1601 Mission Street in San Francisco. After refueling his black 2024 Mercedes-Benz E350 sedan, Amil allegedly drove away from the gas pump while partially blocking the sidewalk and roadway. According to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, Spillman was walking along the sidewalk when she encountered Amil’s vehicle, which was obstructing her path.
Surveillance video obtained by the police shows Spillman walking in front of Amil’s car as he exchanged words with her. The situation escalated when Spillman accidentally spilled water from a bottle onto the hood of Amil’s car. In response, Amil is said to have immediately accelerated into Spillman, knocking her onto the hood of his car.
Fatal Actions and Fleeing the Scene
Amil allegedly continued driving for several feet with Spillman on the hood of his car. As she slid off the vehicle, she landed directly in front of it. Eyewitnesses reported that Amil then deliberately ran over Spillman as he drove off, leaving her injured and unresponsive.
Medics and police arrived at the scene shortly thereafter, but Spillman was pronounced dead less than 10 minutes after the incident. Amil reportedly fled the scene with his wife and two children in the car.
Arrest and Legal Charges
Amil was later arrested by San Francisco police without incident. He faces charges of murder, with an allegation that he used his car as a deadly weapon, and one count of felony hit-and-run. The District Attorney’s office has stated that Amil intentionally hit and killed Spillman, citing the surveillance video as key evidence in the case.
Amil was ordered held without bail after his arrest and appeared in court last week. His defense attorney argued that Amil was trying to protect his family, as he was with his young children at the time of the incident and feared for their safety.
Family Reactions
Amil’s wife spoke out after his arrest, expressing her disbelief and grief. She denied the allegations, claiming that her husband was not the villain being portrayed by the media. “It’s not fair that they’re painting him as a villain,” she told local news, adding that she has been struggling emotionally since the incident.
Amil’s father also defended him, stating that the incident was an unfortunate accident that escalated unnecessarily.
Upcoming Court Hearing
Amil is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 6, where further legal proceedings will take place. As the investigation continues, more details about the incident and Amil’s actions leading up to the fatal encounter are expected to emerge.
