Cold Case Investigations
THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN
The San Jose Police Department and the Homicide Unit are dedicated to the pursuit of justice in each and every case which is investigated. To that end, the Homicide Unit has established the Cold Case Detail. The Cold Case Detail actively investigates Homicide cases, using established solvability criteria.
Both cold case and unsolved cases currently number about 200 unresolved cases, the oldest being from 1962.
This site will profile cases on a regular basis encouraging anyone with information to contact the Cold Case Investigators with the goal of reaching a resolution. Information, on active cases, and cases which may be known to the reader but not yet profiled, is welcomed.
Look for this graphic under cases that have been solved from the help of citizens in our community. 
Visitors to this site are urged to email the Investigators, Sgt. Pete Ramirez or Sgt. Tom Morales at:
Contact Cold Case Unit
Phone: (408) 277-5283
Reward money is available from the CrimeStopper program (408-947-7867) for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects. Persons using this program may remain anonymous.
| Cold Case Image | Cold Case ID | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
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Case: 74-216-0006 Date: October 12, 1974 Victim: Doreen St. German Location: 11th Street and Horning |
Doreen was a 16 year old runaway from Connecticut. She had been living in the Monterey area. She was seen in Pacific Grove on the evening of her murder. Her body was found in the street at about 10:30PM in San Jose. |
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Case: 75-75746
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In 1975 Sandra Howard was a 23 year old newly wed. She was working as a student teacher at Anderson School. Sandra was found murdered in her apartment. She had been raped and stabbed to death. The victims' husband was out of town on a business trip at the time of her murder. |
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Case: 79-001-0266
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On January 1, 1979 the clerk at the Stop and Go heard a commotion outside of the store. Shortly thereafter, Victim Brewer staggered through the door and collapsed. Victim Tipton was located sprawled on the ground, just outside of the store. Both died of apparent stab wounds. |
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Case: 81-001-0593
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On December 31, 1980 victim Sailor had been at a New Years Eve party in the city of San Francisco. Witnesses at the party observed her leave by herself, stating that she was dissatisfied with the party. The following morning she was found expired in the carport of the above located address with several gunshot wounds. Sailor was a German Citizen who was temporarily in the United States. |
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Case: 81-316-1017
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Oler Walker was sleeping in her bedroom at approximately 8:00 PM. An unknown assailant shot several rounds into the residence from a vehicle and sped away. One of the rounds struck Oler Walker in the head. She died of the wound a couple of hours later at a local hospital. Shortly after the shooting, a beige / white vehicle was seen speeding away. |
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Case:84-241-0511
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Victim Ralston was a 21 year old college student who was versed in martial arts. At approximately 1245 hrs, a roommate found her murdered inside of their apartment. She died of numerous wounds throughout her body. There were obvious signs of a struggle, inside of the apartment. |
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Case: 88-112-0545
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Victim Calzadias was found sprawled in the slow lanes of Highway 101 and the Guadalupe River Bridge. At the time, her death was classified as a hit and run accident. Approximately six months later, physical clues led police to reclassify this as a murder and start an investigation. Calzadias died of injuries sustained when struck by a car. |
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Case: 88-242-1297
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On August 29, 1988, Victim Harris was found inside of her apartment by her roommates. Calls to 9-1-1 brought police and paramedic personnel to the residence. Harris was declared dead at the scene. |
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Case: 89-069-0819
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On March 10, 1989 victim Zimmer was found strangled in her vehicle, parked at Mineta San Jose International Airport short term parking. Her fully clothed body was found on the floor of her back seat. She was last seen attending classes at San Jose State University that afternoon. |
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Case: 91-127-0816
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Victim Nguyen was reported missing by a family member. When she didn’t answer her door nor answer her phone, police forced their way in and found Cathy Nguyen and her 2 year old son Michael Bui dead from apparent stab wounds.
Updated On July 28, 2008 |
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Case: 92-021-0973 |
On July 6, 1997, San Jose Police responded to 1093 Owsley Ave on a report of an assault. Upon arrival, Victim Araiza was located inside of his residence suffering from a gunshot wound. He had previously run into the residence holding his chest, stating he had been shot. He was transported to a local hospital and later expired. |
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Case: 93-023-1616 |
On January 23, 1993, San Jose Police responded to 1137 McGinnes Ave (Del Rio Club) on a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, Victim Aguirre was found outside of the club with a gunshot wound to the chest. He later died of his wound at a local hospital. |
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Case: 93-276-0267
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On October 3, 1993, police were called to the above address on a report of a person shot. Upon arrival, victim Rivera was located dead from gunshot wounds, in front of his porch. Rivera was at home and had stepped out to investigate some noises outside of his residence. Witnesses heard him speaking with another individual prior to the shooting. |
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Case: 94-118-1461
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On April 18, 1994 at approximately 2330 hours, an individual looking for recyclables, discovered the body of a female lying behind a grocery store, at 921 S. First Street. Arriving officers determined the victim had died from multiple stab wounds. The victim had been seen in the area, approximately two hours before the murder, soliciting cigarettes at a local convenience store. |
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Case: 95-123-1032
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On May 3, 1995, San Jose Police responded to a possible burglary in progress at 745 Dailey Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located victim Galentine’s body inside of the residence, dead from an apparent gunshot wound. His vehicle was missing from the driveway of the residence and later located at Eastridge shopping mall. |
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Case: 97-187-1494
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On July 6, 1997, Alvarado was eating at the El Grullense restaurant. A group of youths carrying baseball bats and throwing bottles walked through the parking lot, looking for another group. A fight ensued and Alvarado was stabbed in the back. Alvardo died at a local hospital. Police spoke to several individuals who were present at the fight, but received little cooperation at the time. |
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Case: 97-356-1074
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On December 22, 1997, San Jose Police responded to a report of a person lying on the ground in front of 1517 Shasta Ave. Upon arrival, the victim was located face down on the ground, suffering trauma from a bladed object. Davenport had been a caretaker to the residents of the address where she was killed. |
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Case: 01-126-1425
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On May 6, 2001 police responded to a report of a shooting and found victim Truong dead at the scene. Truong had been shot as he was closing his business. He owned the business for approximately 10 years, prior to his demise. A vehicle similar to an early 1990’s Nissan 240SX was seen leaving the scene. |
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Case: 03-109-0320
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On April 19, 2003, the partially clothed body of victim Sanchez was found on a creek bank near Phelan and Roberts Ave by a man walking his dog. She was last seen walking in the area of keys and S 6th Street several hours earlier, wearing a backpack.. Victim Sanchez was 16 years old at the time of her passing. |
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Case: 03-327-0567
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On November 23, 2003 a Santa Clara County Park Ranger stopped to investigate a white sedan parked on Hellyer Ave, south of Highway 101. As he approached the vehicle he saw victim Alvarez bleeding from several gun shot wounds. She was taken to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. |
