Authorities identify victim in Japantown homicide

SAN JOSE » The Santa Clara County Medical ExaminerCoroner’s Office has identified a man stabbed to death in Japantown last week as 82-year- old Thomas Vitanza, of San Jose.

Officers found Vitanza suffering from at least one stab wound during a welfare check at a home on Ayer Avenue the morning of Nov. 29. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A second man was also found suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He was described by police as a suspect and was taken to a hospital with lifethreatening injuries.

An update on the case was not immediately available Thursday.

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Sgt. Jesus Mendoza or Detective Todd Jennings at 408-277-5283.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-STOP (7867) or svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.