Suspect arrested in killing of man found in alley south of downtown
SAN JOSE » A suspect has been arrested in the slaying of a 27-year-old man whose body was found in an alley south of downtown San Jose in May, authorities said.
Joseph Apodaca, 37, of San Jose was taken into custody Wednesday by the San Jose Police Department’s Covert Response Unit and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail on a murder charge. He is being held without bail, according to online jail records.
The death was deemed suspicious, and homicide detectives eventually determined the victim had been involved in a fight with Apodaca, whom he knew, said Sgt. Enrique Garcia.
Cesar Anaya, who raised funds for the funeral of the victim, Rene Morales, described him as witty and bubbly. Morales had a young daughter “who meant everything to him,” Anaya said.
Anyone with information about the case can contact Detective Sgt. Mike Montonye or Detective Elizabeth Ramirez 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.
The determination about the nature of Morales’ death means that six of San Jose’s 18 homicides so far this year were caused by attacks in one week in May:
May 15, Alexander Fielder, 25, was fatally shot on Blossom Hill Road.
May 16, Jennifer Martinez, 24, and Emilio Salazar, 21, were found fatally shot along Sierra Road in the eastern foothills. May 18, Morales. May 20, Thao Quoc Luu, 70, and his wife, Kim Lan Ly, 68, were shot in their home at Spanish Cove Mobile Home Park. He died that day and she died of her injuries Aug. 10. Their son and his alleged accomplice have been arrested.