HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – April 1, 2022 – On March 26th at 8:49 pm, Hollister Police officers responded to the 300 block of Rustic St. in regards to a reported shooting. The investigation revealed two deceased young men and three additional victims with gunshot injuries. The Hollister Police Department Detectives have been investigating the case and have obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect. Yesterday, the suspect was located and arrested in San Jose, CA.
On the night of the incident, Hollister Police Detectives arrived at the scene of the reported shooting and began a systematic and methodical investigation into who was responsible for the murder of Jaime Jesus Gomez (23 years old) and Daniel Eli Gonzalez (21 years old) both of Hollister.
Investigators were able to obtain surveillance footage depicting the suspected shooter possibly driving a dark colored small SUV. Over the next several days, investigators were able to locate several additional homes that had surveillance cameras that caught parts of the incident and they were able to trace the suspect vehicle back to the area where the City of Hollister has additional cameras. Detectives were able to use the city cameras to more cleary identify the suspect vehicle and the suspect. The investigation revealed the suspect had a connection with Hollister and a possible motive.
Detectives Bryce Morgan and Thomas Torres worked over the last two days to acertian the possible location of the suspect. Several search warrants were obtained and they were able to identify the possible area where the suspect might live and work in San Jose, CA.
Yesterday, detectives were able to obtain a no bail murder arrest warrant for Alfredo Zendejas (28). They responded to San Jose along with UNET members and San Benito County Probation Officers and worked with the San Jose Police Department. Detectives briefed SJPD on Zendejas and his possible location. San Jose Covert Response Unit (CRU) was able to locate him in the area and followed him home. After a few hours of surveillance he was arrested without incident.
Zendejas was found in possession of firearms and other illegal items. The vehicle allegedly used in the shooting was also recovered and a search of his residence was conducted. Hollister detectives transported Zendejas back to Hollister where he was booked at the San Benito County Jail.
The motive and circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. There is evidence that the suspect might have been targeting someone else when the shooting occurred. It appears it might have been a case of mistaken identity and not gang related.
The Hollister Police Department would like to thank San Jose Police Department CRU, UNET, San Benito County Probation, California Highway Patrol and San Benito County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in the investigation and apprehension of this suspect.
The Hollister Police Department once again offers our condolences to the Gomez and Gonzalez family.
Anyone with information regarding these investigations is requested to contact The Hollister Police Department at 831-636-4331. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
# # # #
Prepared by: B. Leland, Sergeant
Approved by: Carlos Reynoso, Chief of Police
Case #22-0748
