Photograph by Jacqueline Ramseyer
Too Close to Home: San Jose police officers collect evidence of a June homicide near Willow Glen, including bloody clothing on Willow Street.
Police take custody of suspect in homicide
No motive yet found in June 11 shooting
By Kate Carter
San Jose Police Department (SJPD) officials last month apprehended a suspect in a June homicide near Willow Glen.
Police have charged Santa Clara resident Chad Cleveland, 21, in the June 11 shooting of San Jose resident Jose Armando Aguila-Lopez, 21, on Willow Street near Mastic Street. Aguila-Lopez died from his wounds at San Jose Medical Center June 12.
Police said Aguila-Lopez had been standing beneath a tree with his older brother when, at approximately 11:20 a.m., Cleveland allegedly rode up westbound on Willow Street on a bicycle, said some words in English, then fired several shots at Aguila-Lopez and fled south on Mastic Street. Police said Aguila-Lopez did not speak English.
Police spokesman Rubens Dalaison said case investigators haven't determined a motive for the shooting. Cleveland is a documented gang member, he said, but Aguila-Lopez is not associated with a gang and had "no ties with the suspect whatsoever."
SJPD officers arrested Cleveland July 12 on charges of possessing a loaded and concealed firearm and booked him into the Santa Clara County Jail. The weapon was analyzed by the Santa Clara County Crime Lab July 20 and was found to be the same weapon used in the homicide. Cleveland also matched the description of the suspect, Dalaison said.
Cleveland was arraigned on the charges of gang-enhanced murder and the weapons charges July 25, said David Tomkins, supervising deputy district attorney in charge of gangs.
Dalaison didn't know if patrol officers had contacted Cleveland as a suspect in the homicide or for other reasons. He said there has been gang activity in the vicinity of the crime but it doesn't appear to be increasing.
To provide information on this case, call detective Sgt. Mark McIninch or detective Craig Johnson at 408.277.5283. To remain anonymous, call CrimeStoppers at 408.947.STOP.
Willow Glen, California Since 1992
