MORGAN HILL — An investigation into a fatal shooting late last month in rural Morgan Hill culminated Thursday in the arrest of a 17-year-old suspect, authorities said.
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The shooting happened during a pop-up birthday party near Hale and Miramonte avenues on July 25. Desiderio “Desi” Romero V, 18, of San Jose, was killed and six others were injured.
On Thursday, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office investigative and tactical teams served a high-risk search warrant at a residence in Salinas and took the suspect into custody. The suspect’s name and booking photo were not released due to their age.
The development follows an extensive investigation by the sheriff’s office, which teamed up with the Federal Bureau of Investigation earlier this month to offer a $20,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of a suspect.
Authorities said community members submitted numerous tips, videos and photos through the FBI’s digital media tip line.
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“We’re deeply grateful to the community members who stepped forward and shared what they knew,” Santa Clara County Sheriff Robert Jonsen said in a statement.
“Their willingness to speak up, along with the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners and the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, has helped move this case closer to justice for the victims and their families,” Jonsen said.
Authorities said the suspect will face charges at a detention hearing Monday morning at the Santa Clara County Juvenile Justice Courthouse in downtown San Jose.
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