Photo: Michael Ablaza
SAN JOSE—The San Jose Police Department has announced the arrest of a wanted suspect in the brutal stabbing death of 52-year-old Maribeth Garces Ablaza. On Thursday, January 10th, 2019, Maribeth Ablaza was found unresponsive in her home around 9:30 PM, and was pronounced deceased at that time.
According to SJPD Officer Gina Tepoorten, “homicide detectives identified suspect Michael Ablaza, the victim’s son, as the person responsible for the murder.”
Early reports indicated a struggle had taken place which resulted in the stabbing death. DNA and a follow up investigation led investigators to question the whereabouts and actions of the son prior to the arrest. Evidence pointed to Ablaza and it was determined that he was responsible for his mother’s death.
Tepoorten said, “On Friday, January 11, 2019, Ablaza was arrested by homicide detectives in San Jose and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for murder.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Mike Montonye or Detective Elizabeth Ramirez of the San Jose Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 408-277-5283.
Persons wishing to remain anonymous may either call the Crime Stoppers Tip Line, (408) 947-STOP (7867).
