Gilroy

1 Dead, 3 Hurt Following Shooting at Home Owned by Gilroy Councilmember

Neighbors told NBC Bay Area that a Halloween party was happening at Gilroy City Council member Rebeca Armendariz's home at the time of the shooting

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Police are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred early Saturday at a home owned by a Gilroy councilmember.

Officials said the incident occurred at a residence owned by Gilroy City Council member Rebeca Armendariz just before 1 a.m. at the 400 block of Las Animas Avenue.

According to Gilroy police, they responded to a large outdoor party at the residence.

Police said an altercation happened when a suspect fired a gun.

Authorities said a total of four people were shot, including a man, who died at the scene.

The three other victims were transported to local hospitals with two of those victims suffering life-threatening injuries, according to Gilroy police.

Neighbors told NBC Bay Area Saturday evening that a Halloween party was happening at Armendariz's home at the time of the shooting.

Rosalio Pineda, who lives in the neighborhood, said that he attended the costume party Friday night but left early.

“I had gone over there with my youngest son and I didn't like what I saw,” he said. “It was pitch black and a lot of people wearing dark clothing.”

Neighbors reported hearing several gunshots and added the street was so packed with cars that first responders had a hard time getting to the victims.

“There wasn’t enough space for ambulances and firefighters, so the paramedics were just running with gurneys,” Pineda said.

Armendariz released the following statement Saturday:

“By now you may have seen the post from Gilroy Police Department regarding the investigation of a shooting on Las Animas, or one of many social media post speculating about the event and individuals involved. Because this remains an active investigation, I am unable to share more at this time but I would like to thank all of the members of the community who have reached out to express their concerns for their patience. I am thankful that my family and I, who live on Las Animas, were not hurt in this tragedy, and I pray for those whose loved ones have been touched by what has occurred. In the meantime, we are giving our full cooperation to the Gilroy Police Department in this investigation. Our primary concern is for the individuals impacted and their families. We hope the Gilroy community will come together with love and support for those touched by yesterday’s events at the appropriate time.”

NBC Bay Area’s Marianne Favro also reached out to other members of the Gilroy City Council but did not receive a response.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Gilroy police detective Chris Silva at (408) 846-0335. Anyone who wants to remain anonymous is asked to contact Gilroy police's tip line at (408) 846-0330.

Clarification (4:05 p.m. Saturday, October, 30, 2021): NBC Bay Area was initially told the councilmember was a hosting Halloween party at the time of the shooting. The mayor has since said it is not known who was hosting the reported party.

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