San Jose police make arrest in 2016 stabbing death

Lina Portman3 days ago

0 1 minute read

SAN JOSE — Authorities announced Friday the arrest of a man stabbed to death eight years ago in San Jose.

San Jose police officers discovered the man's body around 10 a.m. on July 17, 2016, in the 400 block of North First Street, near Ryland Park. He had been stabbed at least once.

“Despite investigative efforts, no suspects have been identified or apprehended at the time of the incident,” Officer Tanya Hernandez said in a statement announcing the arrest.

The victim was later identified as Jose Lopez, 51, of San Jose. His death marked the city's 27th homicide of 2016.

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office's cold case team revisited the case in 2022 and identified Marco Iniquez Jr. as a potential suspect, Hernandez said.

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Iniquez, but he will remain at large for two more years.

On May 30, officers arrested Iniquez in Aromas, an unincorporated community in Monterey and San Benito counties. He was booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on murder charges.

According to jail records, Iniquez is being held without bail at the San Jose Main Jail. He is expected to appear in court on July 22.

Hernandez said the motive and circumstances of the killing were under investigation.

During the first half of 2024, detectives closed six homicide cases from previous years, including two with the help of the prosecutor's office's cold case team, Hernandez said.

“The San Jose Police Department values this collaborative relationship and will continue to seek justice for victims of unsolved homicides,” Lt. John Barg said in a statement.

Anyone with information related to the case can contact Detective Sergeant Ivan Barragan at [email protected], Detective Catherine Van Brande at [email protected] or both at 408-277-5283.

Tips can also be left with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or at Siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org.