SAN JOSE — Police arrested five suspects in the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy on Valentine’s Day at Santana Row, Chief Paul Joseph announced at a press conference Monday.
David Gutierrez, 15, was on a Valentine’s Day date with his girlfriend when he was allegedly approached by five juveniles and fatally stabbed. The five suspects — including a 13-year-old who stabbed Gutierrez, as well as three 16-year-olds and an 18-year-old who allegedly assaulted Gutierrez — are believed to be part of a gang and confronted Gutierrez randomly, Joseph said.
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It was a “totally random attack,” Joseph said, adding that Gutierrez was not a gang member.
Gutierrez was allegedly confronted by five suspected gang members who questioned him about his gang affiliation and actively sought a confrontation, Joseph said. Gutierrez ran away from the group but was pursued by a 13-year-old boy from Campbell, who allegedly stabbed him multiple times.
SJPD arrested four of the five suspects on Feb. 20, including the 13-year-old and three 16-year-old males from San Jose. The 13-year-old was booked into Juvenile Hall on suspicion of homicide and felony assault. The 16-year-olds were booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of felony assault.
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On Feb. 21, police arrested an 18-year-old male from Campbell, who was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of felony assault, Joseph said.
The incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. on the 300 block of Santana Row, where diners out to eat for Valentine’s Day had full view of the attack through restaurant windows. Police had initially been called for reports of a fight but arrived to find the boy suffering at least one stab wound.
Gutierrez’s girlfriend, witnesses and officers attempted to provide first aid at the scene, Joseph said. Gutierrez was then transported to Valley Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries.
The case marked San Jose’s third homicide of 2025.
Check back for updates on this developing report.