Full Breakdown
Fatal Shooting at El Paseo de Saratoga Shopping Center
2/26/2026, 2:39:15 AM
Incident Overview
On Tuesday, a deadly shooting occurred in the parking lot of the El Paseo de Saratoga shopping center in West San Jose, resulting in the deaths of 43-year-old Edgard Altamirano and a 24-year-old woman, identified as his former girlfriend. The incident was reported around 11:38 a.m., and both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that Altamirano shot the woman multiple times before turning the gun on himself. San Jose police have classified this incident as a homicide and are treating it as San Jose's fourth homicide of 2026.
Background of the Victims
The relationship between Altamirano and the victim had ended several months prior to the shooting. According to police, there were no prior reports of domestic violence or disturbances involving the couple. The handgun used in the shooting was legally registered to Altamirano. Witnesses indicated that the victim was outside the European Wax Center, where she worked, when the shooting occurred.
Eyewitness Accounts
Bryanna Nunez, a friend and manager at the European Wax Center, stated that the victim had been experiencing ongoing domestic issues with Altamirano. Nunez expressed concern for the victim's safety, suggesting that she had advised her to seek a restraining order. "She didn’t deserve that. She was in a new relationship and she was happy finally," Nunez remarked, highlighting the tragic nature of the incident.
Official Statements
San Jose police Sgt. Jorge Garibay noted that the shooting appeared to happen rapidly, with no clear indication of a verbal altercation prior to the attack. "These things don't typically happen in the middle of an intersection like this in broad daylight," he stated, emphasizing the unusual nature of the incident. The police are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the shooting and are seeking information from family, friends, and potential witnesses.
Community Response
The shooting has raised concerns about domestic violence and its potential consequences. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has been mentioned as a resource for those affected by similar situations. The police have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While police have described the incident as isolated, some reports suggest that the shooting may have stemmed from a history of domestic issues. There is currently no definitive information regarding whether both individuals exchanged gunfire or if Altamirano was solely responsible for the deaths.
Verbatim Quotes
- "Our current understanding is that the victim was already outside when the suspect pulled up next to where the victim was and then I think immediately confronted the victim by shooting the victim." — Sgt. Jorge Garibay, San Jose Police Department
- "I told her that she needed to get a restraining order on him because I knew this is exactly what would happen." — Bryanna Nunez, Manager, European Wax Center
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details surrounding this tragic event.
