San Jose: Four arrested in burglary turned homicide

SAN JOSE — Authorities on Wednesday announced the arrests of four people in connection with a burglary turned homicide in San Jose’s Evergreen neighborhood earlier this summer.

San Jose police officers found 84-year-old Nghia Van Nguyen with life-threatening injuries when they arrived at his Montecito Drive home the morning of July 12 to investigate a report of a burglary in progress. Nguyen was pronounced dead at the scene soon after.

Homicide detectives identified the suspects through a follow-up investigation, according to San Jose police Officer Gina Tepoorten.

Tepoorten said the police department’s Covert Response Unit arrested 22-year-old Oakland resident Bud Landers in Oakland on July 16, 21-year-old Hayward resident Theron Brooks in Merced on July 26, 27-year-old Las Vegas resident Shaqueoia Brooks in San Jose on Aug. 15, and 19-year-old Oakland resident Imari Harris in Oakland on Aug. 22.

Theron Brooks, Harris and Landers were booked into Santa Clara County jail on murder, burglary and robbery charges. Shaqueoia Brooks was booked on accessory and conspiracy charges.

All four remain in custody, according to Tepoorten.

“I’m proud of the relentless investigation conducted by our homicide detectives,” said San Jose police Chief Eddie Garcia. “I hope people can sleep a little safer knowing these individuals are off the street.”

Anyone with information about the homicide can contact Detective Sgt. Ali Miri, Detective James Cerniglia or Detective Gabriel Cuenca at 408-277-5283.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-STOP (7867) or svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

Share this: Print

View more on The Mercury News