Homicide Suspect Who Died Of Gunshot Wound Identified

SAN JOSE, CA -- A homicide suspect who died of a gunshot wound Thursday morning in
San Jose has been identified as 47-year-old Carmelo Vitanza, according to the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office.

The homicide happened at about 8 a.m. in the 100 block of Ayer Avenue in the city's historic Vendome neighborhood near downtown San Jose. Police responded to the scene after a woman at the residence called 911 and officers found one stabbing victim who died at the scene.

The victim has not yet been identified.

Vitanza was taken to a hospital with a gunshot wound and later died, according to police and the medical examiner's office. Police have not confirmed whether the gunshot wound was self-inflicted.

Residents in the area said Vitanza lived in the home with his elderly parents, and was a friendly and supportive neighbor. Curtis Johnson, a longtime resident, said he had known Vitanza for
at least 15 years, and others said the family lived in the tight-knit neighborhood for as long as they could remember.

Police are investigating the case and anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Jesus Mendoza or Detective Todd Jennings at 408-277-5283.

--Bay City News/Image via Shutterstock