Man found dead along 101 identified

SAN JOSE — Authorities have identified a man whose body was found alongside Highway 101 last week, but how he died remains unclear even as police explore the possibility of foul play.

Officers were called just after midnight Aug. 12 to a site along northbound 101 near the northbound Interstate 280 connector and found the body of 41-year-old Alejandro Zacarias. His last name is spelled as Sacarias according to the county coroner’s office, but family and friends contend that Zacarias is the only spelling they know.

According to San Jose police, coroner’s officials performed an on-site inspection of Zacarias’ body and found signs that the death could be a homicide. However, an official cause of death is listed as pending.

Homicide detectives are nevertheless investigating the case, which is department protocol when handling a death that has no clear cause.

There have been 32 homicides recorded in San Jose so far this year, a total that includes two victims killed in a hit-and-run that yielded murder charges against a repeat DUI offender. The city had 30 homicides in all of last year.

Anyone with information about the case can contact San Jose police homicide Detective Sgt. Pat Guire or Detective Todd Jennings at 408-277-5283 or leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-STOP (7867) or with svcrimestoppers.org.