Family asks for witnesses to step forward in SJ homicide

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) -- A weekend shooting in front of a San Jose bar that left a young real estate agent dead has his family and friends hoping for answers about what happened.

A number of those family and friends came to pray at the spot where Michael Arcega's life was taken, his dreams and plans cut short.

"We were supposed to go on family trips to the Phillipines in the next two weeks. He was loved. And he's extremely missed. He had everything to look forward to," said his sister Christina Arcega.

Arcega, a beloved brother, husband and father, had been at the Lu Beer Club and Restaurant early Saturday morning. There had been a celebration for a friend's birthday, and Arcega was sitting on the curb waiting for a ride home.

That's when witnesses say six shots rang out.

"It happened like a drive-by and they just took off. That was it," said witness Jimmy Martinez.

San Jose Police have given no description of the vehicle and surveillance cameras at the business next door are broken.

Loved ones say witnesses need to come forward.

"We would like Mike Arcega's soul to be at rest. It will not be at rest until we find out who did this," said Michael Dayao, who has been close with Arcega since middle school.

Arcega grew up in Hawaii before moving to the Bay Area for college. He later became a real estate agent for Keller Williams in San Carlos, where he was thriving.

Friends say Arcega was the kind of man who considered everyone family.

"He's the epitome of aloha: welcoming, a sharing spirit. Sharing drinks, sharing food. Anything. He always welcomed everybody," said Dayao.

Now, those he welcomed have come together to grieve. His family says they deserve to know the truth about what happened.

They want answers.

"He's such a good guy. He doesn't deserve this. No one ever does," says Christina Arcega.

A service will be held for Arcega in San Francisco. The date has not been set. A second service and burial will then follow in Hawaii.

Keller Williams in San Carlos is hosting a fundraiser for Arcega's family. It will take place at Noelani's Restaurant in San Carlos, Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The public is welcome.

The office says proceeds from all of Arcega's current real estate transactions will also go to the family.