San Jose Shopping Center Shooting: Man Kills Ex-Girlfriend, Then Himself
SAN JOSE — A fatal double shooting at the El Paseo de Saratoga shopping center in West San Jose on Tuesday involved a man who confronted his ex-girlfriend and shot her before taking his own life, according to the San Jose Police Department.
Officers responded to a shooting report in the 500 block of El Paseo de Saratoga at approximately 11:38 a.m., where they discovered a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Details of the Shooting
Investigators determined that the man and woman had previously dated, and their relationship had ended several months prior. The man approached the woman and shot her multiple times before turning the firearm on himself, authorities stated.
The shooter has been identified as 43-year-old Edgard Altamirano of San Jose. The identity of the 24-year-old female victim is pending notification of next of kin and formal identification by the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s Office.
Investigation and Prior History
Police reported that Altamirano had no known criminal history in Santa Clara County and was not subject to any existing domestic violence restraining orders or protective orders. The precise circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Detectives are seeking information from family, friends, coworkers, and potential bystanders to shed light on the events and determine if the shooting could have been prevented. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the SJPD homicide unit at 408-277-5283, Detective Sgt. Richard Martinez at 3934@sanjoseca.gov, or Detective Christina Jize at 4324@sanjoseca.gov. Tips can as well be submitted to Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-7867 or siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org.
Similar Incident in the Area
The shooting occurred near the site of a similar murder-suicide that took place 15 years ago within the same shopping complex. In January 2011, Wayne Sanchez fatally shot Maurice Nasmeh at a Peet’s coffee shop before taking his own life. That incident was linked to the disappearance of Sanchez’s sister, Jeanine Harms, in 2001.
City Homicide Statistics
This shooting marks the fourth homicide investigated by the San Jose Police Department this year. At the same point in 2025, the city had recorded three homicides.
Resources for Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7. Call or text 988, or visit the website for chat options.