Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the
shooting death of a 14-year-old Hollister girl early Saturday
morning, while investigators say the
”
primary suspect
”
now in custody accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the girl
in her upper abdomen and leading to the fatality.
Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the shooting death of a 14-year-old Hollister girl early Saturday morning, while investigators say the “primary suspect” now in custody accidentally fired the weapon, hitting the girl in her upper abdomen.
Police officials at a press conference Monday morning revealed that the incident at East Park Street and Sherwood Drive involved an accidental discharge of the handgun. Two male suspects were arrested early Monday morning – a 15-year-old suspected of shooting the gun and a 16-year-old who police allege was an accessory in helping him flee from authorities. Both were found hiding near the area and they are booked at San Benito County Juvenile Hall.
The victim in the shooting, 14-year-old Genevieve Destefanis, was with a group of juveniles that included the two residents arrested Monday along with the “person of interest” – Robert Rodriguez, 17 – wanted in the case. Prior to the shooting outside a home near Rancho San Justo Middle School, the group of juveniles had fled from contact with police who had been responding to a disturbance call, and ended up at the home on East Park Street and Sherwood Avenue, Police Chief Jeff Miller said Monday.
Miller said those involved fled after discharging the gun, which investigators located Monday in the same area. While the primary suspect is facing recommended charges of manslaughter, the second suspect will have recommended charges from police of being an accessory to the crime – on suspicion of aiding the other juvenile’s escape. As Miller noted, the San Benito County District Attorney’s Office will decide on official charges.
Additional details released Monday included a police description of the shooting. From witness statements, police determined that the 15-year-old had been handling the firearm when it accidentally discharged. The bullet struck Destefanis, who immediately collapsed. Police alleged that the other juveniles fled and discarded the gun.
That gun, Miller contended Monday, had been in the possession of a known gang member before the shooting. Though the death did not have gang ties, the chief said the incident “does have a nexus” with local gang activity.
“It’s imperative that people know who their kids are associated with,” Miller said during the press conference, during which officials announced a peace rally scheduled for 8 p.m. Tuesday on the Briggs Building lawn.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is requested to call Detective Sgt. George Ramirez at (831) 636-4330. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. Information provided to WeTip may qualify for a reward.
Look back shortly for more updates.
