13-year-old gang member allegedly fatally stabbed 15-year-old on date
02/25/2025 12:57 pm PST
SAN JOSE, Calif. (TCN) -- Five teens were arrested for allegedly confronting and assaulting a 15-year-old who was on a date with his girlfriend on Valentine’s Day, leading to the fatal stabbing of the victim.
On Feb. 14 at around 7:15 p.m., officers from the San Jose Police Department responded to a call about a fight on the 300 block of Santana Row. When they arrived, they found a 15-year-old with at least one stab wound. Officers and paramedics attempted lifesaving measures on the teen and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries. KRON-TV identified the victim as David Gutierrez.
San Jose Police Chief Paul Joseph spoke at a press conference Monday, Feb. 24, and shared more details about the fatal incident. According to Joseph, Gutierrez was on a date with his girlfriend when five suspected gang members who were "actively seeking a confrontation" approached them.
The group allegedly asked Gutierrez about his gang affiliation, then began beating him up. Gutierrez managed to escape, but as he ran away, a 13-year-old allegedly followed after and "brutally" stabbed him. Following the stabbing and altercation, all five suspects fled on foot.
Joseph said Gutierrez was not affiliated with any gang and was "in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Investigators quickly identified the suspects, and on Feb. 20, officials from the San Jose Police Department Special Operations Team arrested four of the five teens, including the suspected killer. They comprised the 13-year-old and three 16-year-olds. All were arrested for felony assault, while the 13-year-old was also brought in for homicide. On Feb. 21, police arrested 18-year-old Emanuel Sanchez-Damian on a charge of felony assault.
Joseph explained at the press conference that due to California law, if the 13-year-old is convicted, he could see "no more than 8 months in an unlocked ranch facility" because offenders younger than 14 do not get sent to juvenile detention facilities. Joseph called teens the "killing tools of choice" for adults due to the "leniency of the juvenile justice system."
Joseph said, "This act was as senseless as it was heartbreaking."
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