Jun 26, 2008

Police make arrest in S.F. triple killing

Draeger's night manager, sons slain over apparent road rage

By Aaron Kinney / Bay Area News Group

San Francisco police arrested a man Wednesday on suspicion of three counts of homicide in the fatal shooting of Anthony Bologna, the night manager for Draeger's market in San Mateo, and his two sons in San Francisco's Excelsior District.

Police arrested 21-year-old Edwin Ramos, of El Sobrante, after they tracked down a Chrysler earlier Wednesday that matched the description witnesses gave of the vehicle from which the fatal shots were fired.

Bologna, 48, and his two sons were driving home Sunday to San Francisco from a barbecue at his parent's home in Fairfield when the shooting occurred. Investigators believe the suspect was involved in a traffic dispute with Bologna and then opened fire.

San Francisco police Sgt. Willfred Williams called the triple slaying a "cowardly and senseless act."

Bologna and 20-year-old son Matthew died at the scene of the shooting near the intersection of Maynard and Congdon streets. Bologna's 16-year-old son Michael initially survived the shooting but was taken off life support Tuesday evening, according to police.

Lena Bologna, Anthony's mother, said Wednesday that the family has not made any funeral arrangements, because investigators have not yet released the bodies of her son and grandchildren.

"We're doing the best we can," Lena Bologna said, her voice shaking with emotion.

Anthony Bologna's wife Danielle was distraught Wednesday when reached by phone at her mother-in-law's home.

"I lost my best friend and two beautiful babies for a senseless crime," she said, "and my husband would never have done anything to anyone."

She requested that any further information about her family be kept private.

Keith Myers, the store director for Draeger's of San Mateo, remembered Bologna as a hard-working family man who never called in sick. The longtime Draeger's employee was also a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan, Myers said.

Myers said Richard Draeger, co-owner of the four-store Draeger's chain, has offered to donate the food for Bologna's memorial service.

Police said the Anthony Bologna Children's Fund has been established through Washington Mutual Bank, 845 Laurel St., San Carlos, CA 94070.