Manuel Isaac Huizar Cornejo, a 24-year-old resident of San Jose, California, tragically lost his life on June 5, 2022. Manuel, affectionately known as "Manny," was working at a Safeway store in the Willow Glen neighborhood when he was fatally shot. The incident occurred early in the morning, around 3:35 a.m., when Manuel confronted an individual who was allegedly attempting to steal alcohol from the store.
This confrontation led to a violent altercation, resulting in Manuel being shot and killed. The community was deeply affected by this senseless act of violence, and a memorial was quickly set up outside the Safeway store to honor his memory.
In the aftermath of Manuel's death, the San Jose Police Department launched an intensive investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. Initially, there were few leads, and the case seemed to be at a standstill. However, with the help of surveillance footage and other investigative techniques, the police were able to make significant progress. On August 18, 2022, two arrests were made in connection with the shooting. The primary suspect, 18-year-old Tavita Tuakalau, was apprehended in Utah with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals. Tuakalau was awaiting extradition to Santa Clara County to face charges related to the murder. Another individual, Jacob Parrilla, was also arrested but was later released due to insufficient evidence to charge him with any crime.
The arrest of Tuakalau brought some relief to Manuel's grieving family, who had been enduring a prolonged period of uncertainty and anguish. Manuel's brother, Guillermo Huizar Cornejo, expressed a mix of relief and sorrow, acknowledging the long and painful process of coming to terms with Manuel's untimely death. The family, along with the broader community, continued to mourn the loss of a young man described as kind-hearted, always smiling, and dedicated to his work and studies at San Jose State University.
As the legal proceedings against Tuakalau moved forward, the case highlighted the broader issues of gun violence and safety in the community. Safeway, the employer, issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of Manuel and pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation. The tragic incident underscored the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such acts of violence, ensuring that justice is served for victims like Manuel Huizar Cornejo and their families.
