Insanity Plea Halts San Francisco Murder Trial in Presidio Heights "Chef’s Knife" Killing Case

The San Francisco murder trial for the Presidio Heights chef's knife killing is delayed as defendant Scott Fisher claims insanity.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 6:25 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Hoodline, the San Francisco Chronicle, and SFist.

Legal Maneuver Forces Bifurcated Trial Process

Just days before opening arguments were set to commence, Scott Fisher’s legal team formally entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). San Francisco Superior Court Judge Gloria Rhynes responded by appointing two independent psychological experts to evaluate Fisher’s mental state. Under California Penal Code §1026, this shift necessitates a two phase trial: the first phase will determine Fisher's factual guilt regarding the killing, while the second phase—held only if a "guilty" verdict is reached—will determine whether he was legally sane at the time of the offense.

Forensic Evidence and Surveillance Narrative

The prosecution’s case rests on a substantial trail of physical and digital evidence. Kimberly Wong, a 27 year old tech worker, was found stabbed to death in her Presidio Heights apartment on November 30, 2023. Forensic investigators reportedly recovered a large chef’s knife at the scene; DNA testing matched Fisher to the handle and Wong to the blade. Furthermore, building surveillance footage captured the couple arriving together, followed by footage of Fisher exiting and re-entering the premises during the estimated window of the attack.

Witness Testimony Highlights Increasing Paranoia

During preliminary hearings, friends of the victim provided harrowing accounts of Fisher’s behavior in the weeks preceding Wong's death. Testimony suggested that Fisher had become increasingly unstable, exhibiting signs of severe paranoia that included a fixation on artificial intelligence and delusions of being monitored. Witnesses also recounted specific aggressive incidents, such as Fisher lunging at Wong in the shower and shaking her awake during the night, leading Wong to express fear for her safety to her inner circle.