SJPD report arrest of three suspects responsible for stray bullet death
UPDATE: SAN JOSE, Calif – The San Jose Police Department announced the arrest of three men suspected in the shooting death of 24-year-old Richard Watkins of San Jose. After extensive follow up investigation by homicide detectives, San Jose Police Special Operations Covert Response Unit (CRU) arrested three suspects just days after the shooting and murder of Richard Watkins on Saturday, September 27.
The three suspects confronted a relative of Watkins’ while he was trying to park his car and shot at him, narrowly missing him. While he was able to avoid the gunfire, Watkins was struck by one of the bullets as he stood in front of the parent’s home unaware of what was happening.
The CRU carried out arrest warrants on September 28 and 30. The arrest of 23-year-old Michael Castro occurred on September 28 in the City of Gilroy, and 23-year-old Alexander Marquez Reyna, was also arrested in San Jose the same day. The final suspect, 24-year-old Luis Gonzalez was arrested in San Jose on Tuesday, September 30. The three suspects were booked into the Santa Clara County Jail under PC 187, felony murder. They also face gang enhancement charges that will increase the severity of the penalty for this crime.
Victim Richard Watkins in an image posted to Forever Missed memorial site.
SJPD Homicide Commander Lt. Kihmm said, “This case involved an innocent victim who was struck by a stray bullet fired from these suspects. He was not the intended target. I commend the tireless efforts by our homicide detectives S. Davies and W. Smith in solving this case. Furthermore, I also commend the special operations unit- CRU, who were able to find and apprehend these suspects for us.”
Persons with information regarding the above case are urged to contact Detective Sgt. Davies or Detective Smith of the San Jose Police Department’s Homicide Unit at (408)277-5283. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, (408) 947-STOP (7867).
UPDATE: Men and women of the San Jose Police Department have established a Richard Watkins Family fund to help his widow, Malia Watkins, care for their children and finish school as she tries to put her life together in the wake of the tragic loss of her husband. The donation page is at HealthDonor.com.
Read More:
CrimeVoice: Gang motivation may be behind street shooting in San Jose
