Rancho San Antonio park homicide victim identified

The man killed at Rancho San Antonio park when a driver ran down two pedestrians has been identified as Sunnyvale resident Lawrence Lupash, according to the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office.

Lupash, 77, was pronounced dead around 1:50 p.m. Tuesday, roughly an hour after Mireya Orta allegedly hit him and “intentionally reversed and drove back and forth over the man’s body multiple times,” according to court documents.

Investigators have not yet determined if there was a relationship between either of the victims, said sheriff’s Sgt. Michael Low, but they are still working to confirm that.

“Based on our investigation, it still does not appear there was any sort of connection or relationship,” Low said.

The second pedestrian sustained minor injuries, having fled and hidden behind a tree.

The two victims were on the Permanente Creek Trail, a wide path in the busiest area of the park.

Orta, 50, was arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident. Sheriff’s deputies detained her after she allegedly rammed her Audi A50 into a patrol vehicle.

Orta was arraigned Friday on charges of murder, attempted murder and resisting an officer. She is being held without bail and is set to return to court on Nov. 7 to enter a plea.

Staff writer Jason Green contributed to this report.

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