In June 2021, 94-year-old Anh “Peng” Taylor was enjoying her daily walk when she was stabbed multiple times in San Francisco on the 800 block of Post St. Taylor has lived in San Francisco for more than four decades and is the widow of a U.S. Veteran.

The attack was caught on camera and led to 35-year-old Daniel Cauich’s arrest. He was charged with attempted murder, elder abuse, assault, and probation violation. 

Thankfully, Taylor, now 97-years-old, did survive the attack and she now lives in assisted living. But less than three years after her attack, her attacker will avoid jail time. 

Instead, Cauich was sentenced with 5 years of probation and received a mandate to complete a mental health treatment program as decided by Superior Court Judge Kay Tsenin. “I am giving you one last chance to stay out of state prison,” Tsenin reportedly said to Cauich during the hearing.

According to The San Francisco Standard, court records show that Cauich had experienced trauma and brain injuries which led to mental health issues. 

Prosecutors, however, opposed the sentencing. “Not only was this victim denied justice, but all San Franciscans were left less safe today due to this reckless decision,” said San Francisco’s District Attorney, Brooke Jenkins. “Our seniors shouldn’t need escorts to leave their homes or walk down the street. But decisions like this are why they continue to feel.”