On September 1, 2022, Susana Elena Hernandez, a 27-year-old resident of San Jose, California, tragically lost her life in a violent incident. Hernandez was fatally shot in a parking lot in South Central San Jose. The suspect, identified as her ex-boyfriend, Jose Rosas, allegedly drove to the location, exited his vehicle, and opened fire on Hernandez and a man she was with.
The entire incident was captured on surveillance video, which played a crucial role in the subsequent investigation.
Following the shooting, Rosas attempted to flee to Mexico. However, he was apprehended by California Highway Patrol officers and U.S. border patrol agents just 100 yards from the Mexican border. Rosas was taken into custody and later appeared in Santa Clara County Superior Court, where he was held without bail. The court proceedings revealed a history of domestic abuse between Rosas and Hernandez, including multiple violations of a restraining order that Hernandez had filed against him. Friends of Hernandez had previously expressed concerns about her safety, noting that Rosas had committed several acts of abuse during their relationship.
The legal proceedings against Rosas included charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, and carjacking. The court issued a protective order for the surviving victim of the shooting. Rosas' attempt to evade justice by fleeing to Mexico underscored the severity of the case and the determination of law enforcement to bring him to justice. Hernandez's death marked the 27th homicide in San Jose for the year 2022, highlighting the ongoing issue of domestic violence and its devastating consequences.
Hernandez is survived by her two children, who reside in Mexico. She had moved to the Bay Area to work and support her family back home. The community mourned her loss, and her friends and family continue to seek justice for her untimely death. The case against Rosas remains a poignant reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of protective measures for victims.