Man stabbed to death near fairgrounds; city’s sixth homicide of the year

SAN JOSE >> A suspect has been arrested in the Saturday stabbing death of a man at the Palm Tree Motel near the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, authorities said Sunday.

Robert Martinez, 47, of San Jose was taken into custody shortly after the stabbing at the Palm Tree Motel, located at 2724 Monterey Road. He is being held on suspicion of murder in the Santa Clara County Jail.

According to San Jose police, Martinez and the victim lived at the motel in separate rooms. The victim was visiting Martinez’s room when the suspect attacked the victim then took off, police said. Officers quickly tracked Martinez nearby.

Sgt. Enrique Garcia said officers arrived at the motel about 6:35 p.m. after receiving a report of a person stabbed and found a man suffering from at least one stab wound.

The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office will release the victim’s identity once it has been confirmed and his next of kin is notified.

The death marks the sixth homicide of the year in the city. There were six homicides at this point last year.

Anyone with information about the homicide can 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.