San Jose

Man Shot Near Taco Truck Outside San Jose State University Dies of Gunshot Wounds, Police Investigating the Incident as Homicide

A San Jose man shot near a taco truck last week has died and police said Sunday that they are now investigating the incident as a homicide.

According to police, a shooting was reported on the 400 block of East Williams Street – near San Jose State University – just after 11 p.m. Thursday. Responding officers found a man who had been shot at least once, they said.

Police said the victim -- identified as Luis Ortega -- was transported to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries. The 19-year-old succumbed to his gunshot wounds at 9:33 p.m. Saturday.

Felix Palacios, who owns Spartans Taco Truck on Williams Street, said Friday that he was working inside the vehicle when he thought he heard one or two gunshots.

He came outside to see that someone outside his truck had been shot, but no suspect was in sight. Palacios thought it seemed like a drive-by.

A suspect has not yet been identified and remains at large, police said. The motive and circumstances leading to Ortega being shot remain under investigation.

People with information about the shooting are asked to call the San Jose Police Department's Homicide Unit at (408) 277-5283. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call (408) 947-7867.

Check back for updates. 

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