Jose Hernandez Iribe, a 31-year-old resident of Pasadena, California, tragically lost his life on July 12, 2014. The incident occurred in the 1700 block of North Summit Avenue, where Iribe was shot and killed. According to reports, the Pasadena Police Department received multiple 911 calls around 4:20 p.m. regarding gunfire in the area. Iribe, who lived nearby, ran towards the gunfire in an attempt to help those who were wounded.
Described as a "good Samaritan" by the police, Iribe's heroic actions ultimately led to his death. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:25 p.m.
The gunman, identified as John Izeal Smith, a 44-year-old man, was responsible for the deaths of three individuals, including Iribe. Smith's rampage began inside a home where he first shot and killed 91-year-old Luis Fernando Aguiar. Aguiar's daughter, 59-year-old Maria Teresa Aguiar, was also fatally wounded as she tried to escape. Iribe was shot while attempting to assist Maria Teresa Aguiar, who was lying on the sidewalk. Smith then engaged in a standoff with the police, during which he fired at a police officer who was pinned behind a patrol car but remained uninjured. Smith eventually barricaded himself inside a home and called the police, confessing to the killings. After a 20-minute negotiation, he surrendered to the Pasadena SWAT team.
Following his arrest, John Izeal Smith was charged with three counts of capital murder, with special circumstances of multiple murders and a special allegation of personally and intentionally discharging a rifle. He was also charged with three counts of attempted murder, including the attempted murder of a police officer. The motive for the shooting was believed to be related to a landlord-tenant dispute and a long-term relationship between Smith and the victims. Smith pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of second-degree murder. In February 2017, he was sentenced to 181 years to life in state prison for his crimes.
