Man fatally stabbed in heart of downtown San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Investigators say a man was stabbed to death early Tuesday morning in the heart of downtown San Jose, near the Tech Museum of Innovation and the Fairmont Hotel. It's the city's 22nd homicide of the year.

The area is filled with families heading to the park or the museum during the day. At night, however, many people say they're scared to be there.

A lot of popular events bring hundreds, if not thousands of people to Plaza de Cesar Chavez all year long.

But early Tuesday morning, it was the violent death of a man that brought dozens of police officers to the area.

Witnesses told police that five to six men attacked another man at about 2:15 a.m.

When officers arrived, they found the victim in the crosswalk on Market St. with at least one stab wound. He was taken to the hospital where he later died. Police say it does not appear to be gang related.

"Again, clothing is kinda strewn around the park here," said Officer Albert Morales. "There's a backpack that's directly behind me. Again there's some other items -- beer bottles, things like that in the park directly behind me. Again, I don't know if that's related or not, but our investigators will look into that to see if there's any connection between those items that are located and the homicide."

A lot of people who work in the area are concerned about the violence. They say the park attracts a lot of transients and they often don't feel safe walking alone in the area, especially at night.

The entrance to The Tech is just 75 yards away from where the victim was found. A couple hundred kids from fourth to eighth grade are attending a summer camp there this week.

The museum released a statement saying, "The incident in Cesar Chavez Park overnight was tragic. Like all downtown institutions, we are saddened by these events. Our team is supporting the authorities in any way we can."

Across the street, the Fairmont Hotel has seen its share of violence in its shadows. A man was stabbed to death in Feb. of this year. He was the fifth homicide of the year in San Jose. Tuesday morning's death is the city's 22nd homicide of the year.

It's obviously troubling for the most recognizable hotel in San Jose that's hosted presidents and rock stars.

Hotel officials say they provide 24 hour security and also offer escorts at night.

"You know I think for the hotel and for the community its concerning for sure, which is why we want to help in any way that we can," said hotel official Lisa Ares.

San Jose police say they are checking surveillance video from surrounding businesses, including the Fairmont.

No arrests have been made.