Teen's stabbing death in Campbell is self-defense, man freed

Todd Tharp, 24, stabbed in self defense Ivan Diaz Amezcua, 16, of San Jose. March 16, 2014 in the area of John D. Morgan Park, in Campbell. Todd Tharp, 24, stabbed in self defense Ivan Diaz Amezcua, 16, of San Jose. March 16, 2014 in the area of John D. Morgan Park, in Campbell. Photo: Campbell Police Dept. Photo: Campbell Police Dept. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Teen's stabbing death in Campbell is self-defense, man freed 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A transient arrested in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old boy at a Campbell park was released after authorities determined he acted in self-defense, investigators said Wednesday.

Todd Tharp, 24, was released Tuesday night from Santa Clara County Jail after prosecutors declined to charge him in connection with the killing of Ivan Diaz Amezcua, 16, of San Jose.

Tharp was arrested Sunday evening after someone found him seriously injured near John D. Morgan Park at 540 W. Rincon Ave. Police later concluded that Tharp had been attacked and kicked by a group of people - including Amezcua - and that Tharp had stabbed the teenager in self-defense.

Amezcua was taken to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, where he died early Monday.

Campbell police Sgt. Gary Berg said the investigation was continuing and did not rule out the possibility that charges could eventually be lodged.

"The Campbell Police Department understands the magnitude of this incident, not only to the family of the 16-year-old victim but the community as a whole," Berg said.