Slain San Jose brothers mourned as police search for clues

SAN JOSE (KTVU & BCN) --  Police on Monday were searching for clues in a double homicide that occurred in downtown San Jose Sunday night, a shooting that left two brothers dead and put the city on pace to set a record for the  number of homicides this year.

Authorities were called to the 900 block of South Eighth Street near Martha Street on reports of several shots fired. The two victims have been identified as Michael Ramirez, 27, and his older brother, Arturo Ramirez, 35.

Police said officers arrived and found two victims suffering from at least one gunshot wound each. Investigators said they believe the brothers were targeted but the suspects fled from the scene before witnesses could provide any identifying information.

One of the brothers was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police said they had not yet determined a motive or the circumstances surrounding the shooting and that no suspects had been identified or apprehended. Relatives and acquaintances said the two men had left their gang ties behind and were trying to move forward in their careers and lives.

"You become no good to them and you're like a threat to them," said Eddie Hernandez of the Victory Outreach Church while explaining how the two men could be seen as threats.

Relatives said Art liked trucks and had just received his commercial driver's license while Michael was already a commercial driver. The older brother had seven children while his brother Michael was said to be survived by a 9-year-old daughter.

Residents in the neighborhood reported hearing the gunfire Sunday night. On Monday, the back window of a car was shattered and bullet holes were seen in many nearby structures. With Sunday's slaying, San Jose has reported 33 homicides so far this year -- 3 more than all of 2015.

Anyone that may have information about this incident is encouraged to contact the San Jose Police Department's homicide unit at (408) 277-5283.

KTVU reporter Jesse Gary contributed to this report.