Hayward man charged with killing friend of 25 years

HAYWARD, Calif. - In an update to Hayward's first reported homicide of 2025, authorities have charged a man in the fatal shooting of a landlord killed in his own home. 

The suspect in 68-year-old Rolando Jose Silva's death was identified as 43-year-old Larry Jose Lopez, according to the Alameda County District Attorney's office. 

Lopez was charged with murder and with an enhancement for the alleged use of a firearm causing great bodily injury and death. 

The DA's office said Lopez and Silva knew each other for 25 years.

"This is a tragic case of a man being killed in his own home by an act of gun violence," said Chief Assistant District Attorney Royl Roberts. 

The backstory:

Silva was found dead at his home Sunday around 9:10 a.m. in the 500 block of Ramos Avenue in Hayward. A woman reported to authorities that her landlord had been shot. 

At the scene, Silva was found with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders with the Hayward Fire Department, the DA's office said. 

Later that day, Hayward police identified Lopez as a suspect and arrested him for murder. 

Lopez was booked in the Santa Rita Jail and is being held without bail.

What we don't know:

The motive behind the shooting remains unclear at this time. 

If convicted, Lopez faces up to 50 years-to-life in state prison.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Hayward Police Department at (510) 293-7176.