When illegal alien Francisco Sanchez admitted to killing 32-year-old Kate Steinle last week on a San Francisco pier, he explained that he found the gun he used wrapped up in a t-shirt and that it just "went off." His explanation of how the gun was in his possession was clouded, saying he found the gun randomly near the pier in the middle of the day while high on drugs.
Now a new report in the Associated Press shows the gun actually belongs to a federal agent, who has not yet been named.
A law enforcement official says the weapon used in the shooting death of a woman on a San Francisco pier belonged to a federal agent — the latest twist in a case that has become a flashpoint in the country's debate over immigration.
The official, who had been briefed on the matter, said Tuesday that a check of the gun's serial number shows it belonged to a federal agent.
The official — who was not authorized to speak publicly about the case and spoke on condition of anonymity — declined to elaborate.
The San Francisco Police Department, which is investigating the case, refused to comment on the disclosure.
According to Fox News, the gun was stolen from a vehicle in June and CNN is reporting it was a personal .40 caliber pistol, not a government issued firearm.
Francisco was deported five times before killing Steinle last week while she was on a walk with her father.
This post has been updated with additional information.
