San Jose pastor 'stunned' after stabbing spree at church sanctuary kills 2, wounds 3
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A suspect has been arrested after two people died in a stabbing at Grace Baptist Church in San Jose on Sunday night, police said.
A man died at the scene and a woman was transported to a hospital where she died. Three other adult male victims were transported to hospitals and are in serious but stable condition.
San Jose Police describe the deadly stabbing as "A very chaotic scene," said San Jose public information officer, Christian Camarillo.
"When officers arrived they found five victims who had been stabbed at least one time. One of the victims was pronounced decease at the scene," said officer Camarillo.
VIDEO: 2 dead, 3 wounded in stabbing spree at San Jose church
Police described the suspect as an adult male, but have not released his identity.
The identity of the deceased victims will be released by the Santa Clara County Coroner's Office after confirming their identity and notifying next of kin.
Still processing the devastating scene the church's Reverend, David Robinson, agreed to speak to us. He confirmed one of the other three victims was a church staff member who tried to intervene.
"It's stunning to us. We recognize that there are risks in this kind of program but our faith calls us to take those risks," said Rev. Robinson of Grace Baptist Church.
Robinson confirmed between 40 to 50 unhoused individuals stay overnight inside the church's facility as part of their nonprofit Grace solutions.
"Folks were in the church in the sanctuary and someone came in who was known by the group and the incident went down," said Rev. Robinson.
In the highly residential area across from San Jose State University, people have voiced concern over the homeless population.
"I don't think anyone is out to get us but we do keep our distance because there is unpredictability," said resident Sally Schroeder.
Now, they are asking for the city to intervene.
"Maybe this is going to shed some light on the fact that they need help. They need assistance," said Schroeder.
San Jose's Mayor San Liccardo put out a statement saying in part,
"We pray for the recovery of the three others seriously injured in that attack. SJPD has arrested a suspect, who remains in custody"
These are San Jose's 40th and 41st homicides of 2020.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Lewis #3161 or Detective Meeker #3272 of the San Jose Police Department's Homicide unit at 408-277-5283.
Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 408-947-7867.
