Steve Ruben Gutierrez III was 13 when he died from a single gunshot wound to the chest on August 11, 2021, in San Jose, California. The shooting happened in broad daylight outside a home on Little Wood Lane as he arrived by vehicle; the exchange of gunfire involved people who had arrived and those already at the residence. His death was recorded as the city’s 24th homicide of 2021.

San Jose police arrested three people in connection with the killing: 38-year-old Margarita Santillan and two relatives, age 16 and 17. The juveniles’ names were not released; all three were charged with homicide. The suspects have asserted they acted in self-defense, a claim that has featured in subsequent court proceedings. No motive has been publicly announced.

Steve was remembered by family as a boy who loved football, riding his bike, and time with loved ones; a GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral expenses. Does anyone have information about the events on Little Wood Lane that afternoon?