San Francisco Chronicle

Suspect held in fatal stabbings at San Jose church

- By Peter Fimrite and Nora Mishanec Peter Fimrite and Nora Mishanec are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: pfimrite@ sfchronicl­e. com, Nora Mishanec nora. mishanec@ sfchronicl­e. com Twitter: @ pfimrite @ NMishanec

“We will continue to advocate for better mental health and substance use services.” The Rev. David Robinson, pastor at Grace Baptist Church

Police on Monday arrested a suspect in the stabbings that killed two people and injured three others at the Grace Baptist Church near San Jose State University on Sunday night, authoritie­s said.

Police did not immediatel­y identify the suspect and declined to say whether the person was receiving services from the church’s shelter.

San Jose Police rushed to the church, at 484 E. San Fernando St., shortly before 8 p. m. Sunday and found five stabbing victims.

One victim died at the scene, police said. Another victim died soon after being transporte­d to a local hospital. Three additional victims were in stable condition as of Monday afternoon.

The deaths bring to 41 the number of homicides in San Jose this year.

San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo expressed support for the victims Monday as the investigat­ion continued.

“We have lost two community members, and we pray for the recovery of the three others seriously injured in that attack,” Liccardo said in a statement.

The Rev. David Robinson said the church community was “deeply saddened by the terrible incident” that took place at its winter homeless shelter, known as Grace Solutions, which operates in the church gymnasium and basement.

Robinson urged the public to pray for those involved, including the perpetrato­r, and said the incident reaffirms the church’s mission to offer aid to the hungry and infirm.

“We are called to this radical hospitalit­y for those who need it the most,” the pastor said in a statement.

Robinson and police officials declined to say whether any parishione­rs or church volunteers were among the victims.

The church’s mission will not change in light of the attack, Robinson said.

“We will continue to advocate for better mental health and substance use services,” he said. “We will continue to provide love, food, clothing and shelter to those in need.”

 ?? Jim Gensheimer / Special to The Chronicle ?? An officer walks near crime scene on 11th Street as San Jose police investigat­e multiple stabbings, including two deaths, at Grace Baptist Church on Sunday near San Jose State University.
Jim Gensheimer / Special to The Chronicle An officer walks near crime scene on 11th Street as San Jose police investigat­e multiple stabbings, including two deaths, at Grace Baptist Church on Sunday near San Jose State University.

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