SAN FRANCISCO — Three Richmond teenagers — one just 15 years old — were arrested in connection with a Dec. 31 homicide, police announced Friday.

The teenagers, whose names were not released, were arrested on suspicion of murder, conspiracy, and robbery, according to the San Francisco police department. They’re all boys, aged 17, 15 and 17, according to the police news release.

The victim, 24-year-old Takota Smith, of Oregon, was shot and killed on the 200 block of Cornwall Street around 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 31. He died at a local hospital.

Police determined the suspects shot Smith while robbing him of his car and 3-month-old puppy, Azula. Police served arrests warrants Thursday, and found more than one firearm, Smith’s car, and unspecified “other evidence” linking the three to the homicide, authorities said.

If they’re charged, the two 17-year-olds could be tried as adults. The 15-year-old faces a maximum of 10 years, as state law prevents anyone younger than 16 from being charged as an adult.

Despite the arrests, police say it’s still an open investigation and are encouraging tipsters to call the SFPD Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD.

Source: www.mercurynews.com