SAN FRANCISCO (KABC) -- It was a tragedy for an Irvine family as one of their members witnessed a violent attack in San Francisco that claimed the life of a relative.
The victim and his niece, who was visiting him from Southern California, were walking in San Francisco when the suspects launched a violent attack, reportedly stabbing 44-year-old Paul Tam in the head.
The deadly robbery was captured on camera and several drivers also witnessed the crime that lasted only 20 seconds.
"It went from a violent street robbery to a homicide," Officer Carlos Manfreddi with the San Francisco Police Department said.
The attacked happened in the Japantown neighborhood of San Francisco at 8:30 p.m. on Feb 18.
Tam had been the in the hospital until he died Thursday, succumbing to the injuries he suffered in the attack.
Tam had recently moved to California from the United Kingdom for work.
Investigators said the two suspects, a man and a woman, targeted Tam and his niece as they walked along the street. The male suspect went after Tam's bag which contained his passport, wallet and phone.
Tam was chased down and repeatedly attacked with an unknown weapon in the middle of the street.
"As he going around the vehicle he falls down, it's at that point that the suspect not only wanted to take the victim's bag, but he wanted to take his life," Manfreddi said.
The attacker and his female accomplice ran off.
San Francisco police hope the surveillance video will be able to help them track down Tam's killer before he can strike again.
Tam's niece was not injured during the attack, according to officials.