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SFPD Offers $175K Reward for Information on 2001 Murder
Authorities seek leads on the killing of 25-year-old Paula Brien in San Francisco
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The San Francisco Police Department has authorized a $175,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and filing of charges against the suspect(s) responsible for the 2001 homicide of 25-year-old Paula Brien. Brien was last seen with an unidentified Caucasian male near 6th Street and Mission before her body was found deceased near 455 Harriet Street less than two hours later.
Why it matters
This 25-year-old cold case has remained unsolved, leaving Brien's family without closure. The large reward amount indicates the department's commitment to finding the perpetrator and bringing them to justice, while also potentially prompting new witnesses to come forward with crucial details.
The details
According to authorities, Brien was a Hispanic female and mother of two who was last seen on June 18, 2001 near 6th Street and Mission with a Caucasian male described as standing 5'11" to 6' tall, muscular, and wearing shorts. Brien was then found deceased less than two hours later near 455 Harriet Street. Police have released a detailed description of the Person of Interest, who is said to be 200 lbs, 5'11" to 6'1" tall, 35-40 years old in 2001, with short dark/brown hair, deep-set eyes, a neat appearance, and an East Coast accent. He was also seen driving a bright red 2-door Nissan/Toyota GTS from the early to mid 1990s.
- Brien was last seen on June 18, 2001.
- Brien's body was found less than two hours later on June 18, 2001.
The players
Paula Brien
A 25-year-old Hispanic female and mother of two who was the victim of a homicide in 2001.
Caucasian Male
An unidentified man who was seen with Brien shortly before her death. He is described as standing 5'11" to 6' tall, muscular, and wearing shorts.
Person of Interest
A man described as being 200 lbs, 5'11" to 6'1" tall, 35-40 years old in 2001, with short dark/brown hair, deep-set eyes, a neat appearance, and an East Coast accent. He was seen driving a bright red 2-door Nissan/Toyota GTS from the early to mid 1990s.
Daniel Cunningham
A Homicide Cold Case Investigator with the San Francisco Police Department.
Daniel Dedet
An Investigator with the San Francisco Police Department.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the $175,000 reward to be offered to the public.
The takeaway
This 25-year-old cold case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving older crimes, even with the offer of a substantial reward. Renewed public attention and tips could potentially provide the crucial break needed to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
