This Thanksgiving became one of San Jose’s deadliest holidays as drugs, sex trafficking, and carjacking(s), drive-by-shootings, stabbings, and domestic violence cases have steadily increased within the past few weeks. The City of San Jose has turned away from smaller property related crimes, reported at more than 22,603, to focus its workforce on contravening the city’s reported 3,255 violent crimes experienced this year.
The City of San Jose has experienced its 43rd and 44th homicides of 2013. According to the San Jose Police Department, the city’s 43rd homicide occurred on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at approximately 3:05 AM near the 100 block of Goldenrain Drive. Officer Albert Morales with the San Jose Police Department said “Preliminary reports are that an argument erupted in front of a residence, and the suspect shot the victim.” 19-year-old Tony Hoang was found deceased at the scene. Police believe that the shooter and the victim knew each other. This case is still ongoing.
Peter Pan Avenue at Capitol Park, where Pedro Cortz was found murdered.
The San Jose Police Department found a deceased male victim in the Capital Park area in San Jose. 18-year-old Pedro Dado Cortez was found with a gunshot wound to his chest around 3:00 pm in the afternoon on Saturday, November 23. Cortez was shot from a passing car that had pulled over to the curb where he was walking along the sidewalk on the 800 block of Peter Pan Avenue at Capital Park.
Several witnesses who were at the park and witnessed the shooting were able to identify the car and possible shooter in the incident. In a press release by the San Jose Police Department’s Homicide Unit, suspects were identified for the murder of Pedro Cortez. Sgt. Heather Randol said, “The Covert Response Unit, with the assistance of patrol officers, Metro, K9, and Gang Suppression Unit officers, located the suspect on November 27th at approximately 8:30 P.M.” The suspect was taken into custody without incident. “The suspect’s identity will not be released until the District Attorney has reviewed the case,” Randol said.
Within 24 hours after the shooting, San Jose Police and residents in East San Jose experienced several gang related drive by shootings, as possible gang members shot up homes, apparently in retaliation for the murder. Several other shootings occurred within the next 48 hours ending with a triple stabbing and officer involved shooting.
San Jose Police have their hands full with their 44th homicide investigation.
Read More:
San Jose Mercury News: San Jose: Arrest made in weekend shooting that killed 18-year-old man
NBC Bay Area: Vigil Held for 18-Year-Old Man Gunned Down in San Jose
San Jose Mercury News: San Jose’s 42nd, 43rd homicide victims identified; gang motives suspected in one case
Photos: Google Maps; Amy Nilson
