Michael Daniel Zuniga-Macias, an 18-year-old from Gilroy, California, tragically lost his life on October 30, 2021. He was one of four individuals shot at a Halloween party held at the home of Gilroy City Councilmember Rebeca Armendariz. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning on the 400 block of Las Animas Avenue. According to reports, an altercation broke out at the party, escalating into gunfire. Zuniga-Macias was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other three victims, aged between 17 and 19, sustained injuries of varying severity.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of 19-year-old Benjamin David Calderon, who was taken into custody on suspicion of homicide. Calderon, identified as the son of Armendariz's cousin, was arrested after a search warrant was executed at a residence on Church Street. Despite his arrest, the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office had not filed charges against him as of early November 2021.
Authorities believe that at least two shooters were involved in the incident, but no additional suspects had been publicly identified at that time.
The shooting has left the community in shock and mourning. A memorial was set up outside Armendariz's home, and a candlelight vigil was held to honor Zuniga-Macias. His family described him as a young man with a loving heart and a bright future ahead of him. The investigation remains active, with police continuing to search for additional evidence and witnesses to piece together the events that led to the tragic shooting.
