1 dead, 3 injured in shooting at council member’s home

One person was killed and three others were injured in a shooting at a Gilroy City Council member’s home early Saturday, according to Gilroy police and the city’s mayor.

Authorities did not identify the name or age of the male who died, or of the other people who were injured at Council Member Rebeca Armendariz’s home on the 400 block of Las Animas Avenue.

Police said they responded to the home and discovered a “large outdoor party” after receiving a 911 call of a shooting at about 12:55 a.m. An altercation had occurred before at least one person fired a gun.

The male victim died at the scene, marking the fifth homicide in Gilroy this year, Sgt. Lamonte Toney told The Chronicle. Three other partygoers were taken to local hospitals. Two of the injured people had life-threatening injuries. Their conditions were unknown Saturday.

Gilroy Mayor Marie Blankley, in an interview, also said the shooting occurred at Armendariz’s residence.

In a statement provided to The Chronicle on Saturday, Armendariz said she was unable to share details about “a shooting on Las Animas” because of the active police investigation. She said she and her family are cooperating with police and thanked community members who she said had reached out to her in the aftermath of the shooting.

“I am thankful that my family and I, who live on Las Animas, were not hurt in this tragedy, and I pray for those whose loved ones have been touched by what has occurred,” the council member said.

Armendariz added that her family’s “primary concern is for the individuals impacted and their families.”

“We hope the Gilroy community will come together with love and support for those touched by yesterday’s events at the appropriate time,” she said.

Armendariz was elected to the council in 2020. According to her LinkedIn page, she is a former political and community organizer, and a founding board member of CARAS, a nonprofit focused on service and cultural events.

As Gilroy police continue to investigate the fatal shooting, the roadway on Las Animas Avenue, east of Murray Avenue, was closed, the authorities said. Police asked residents to avoid the area.

Officials are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Chris Silva at 408846-0335. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact the Gilroy police tip line at 408-846-0330.