Man arrested in elderly woman's beating lived near victim, spends birthday behind bars
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - KTVU has learned the suspect accused of brutally beating an 88-year-old San Jose woman lived less than half a mile away from her. On Thursday, sheriff deputies announced the arrest of a 19-year-old for the attack during a home invasion in East San Jose. In the evening, neighbors held an emergency safety meeting at St. John Vianney Community Center to talk about their concerns.
Neighbors said they're stunned deputies arrested a teenager but even more shocking, the suspect was living around the corner two blocks away from the victim known as "Miss Flo," who remains in critical condition.
About 100 neighbors living in the Alum Rock Foothills of San Jose began their meeting in prayer for their beloved community member Miss Flo, who deputies say was viciously attacked inside her home.
"I'm really upset about what's been happening," said Neighbor Christine Morrow. "I'm really upset about the poor woman who was attacked. I'm concerned about the safety in the neighborhood."
Deputies announced they arrested 19-year-old Zachary Cuen. Detectives said he broke into Miss Flo's home, robbed her of her jewelry, ransacked her home and stole her car. A neighbor noticed her car abandoned down the street on Monday and then found her bleeding inside the home. Family members said she lived there since 1964.
"It was my grandmother, it could be yours, it could be your mother," said the victim's granddaughter Jocelyn. "Please if you do have any additional information call."
Court documents reveal Cuen was on probation. Back in February, he was arrested for stealing a car and for hit and run. A law enforcement source also tells KTVU in the spring of 2015, when he was a juvenile, he was arrested for an attempted house burglary where the victim in that case was also an elderly female.
Court documents also reveal Cuen lived on Bordeaux Lane within walking distance less than half a mile from where Miss Flo was attacked at her house. No one answered when we knocked at Cuen's house. His neighbors said they saw his home under surveillance.
"They are a friendly family," said Ray Espinal, suspect's neighbor. "You never really expect danger so close to home."
"It's rough," said Neighbor Jesse Haro. "I actually thought it was someone in the neighborhood because who would know more about a person's lifestyle."
Authorities said it's unclear if Cuen acted alone or had an accomplice. With him living so close, neighbors said, it's even more reason to look out for one another.
"If we see something that we don't feel looks right in our neighborhood we should question it better be safe than sorry," said Haro.
Thursday is Cuen's 19th birthday. He is spending it behind bars. His arraignment is set for Monday and is being held without bail. Miss Flo is in grave condition. A prayer vigil is set at her for tomorrow night at 7 p.m.