SAN LEANDRO — Could a global soccer tournament have influenced a local stabbing that nearly killed a man?
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Police in San Leandro say that’s what happened after a suspected bookie showed up to one of his client’s homes with a gold golf club for a mafia-style shakedown. The bookie was in the middle of smashing the resident’s washing machine with the club when the resident, 39-year-old Jun Gao, allegedly grabbed a large kitchen knife and butchered the man, causing several large stab wounds that police described as overkill, according to court records.
Gao then called 911 and reported he had “killed” the man. Police say the victim survived, but Gao’s intent to kill him was clear from surveillance footage that captured the confrontation. Gao told police the man had pulled a knife on him first, and Gao’s lawyer has requested all the footage in preparation for an Aug. 4 bail hearing, where Gao could be released from jail.
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The two were mad at one another over a sports gambling disagreement that had to do with the FIFA World Cup, according to police. The stabbing occurred a little before 3 p.m. on June 30, on Sullivan Avenue in San Leandro. Police haven’t revealed exactly which outcome caused the disagreement.
Gao was charged on July 2 with assault with a deadly weapon and attempted murder. He is being held without bail for now, and has pleaded no guilty.
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