Suspect arrested in 1987 San Jose murder case
- Joseph Anthony Abeyta, 55, has been charged with the murder of Jesus Ibarra, who was found dead in his San Jose apartment in April 1987.
- The case remained unsolved for over 37 years until it was reopened this year, leading to Abeyta's identification through DNA evidence.
- Law enforcement officials stress their commitment to pursuing justice for victims of cold cases, with Abeyta facing a potential sentence of 25 years to life if convicted.
In April 1987, Jesus Ibarra was found dead in his San Jose apartment, with evidence indicating he had suffered blunt force trauma to the neck. The case went cold for over three decades, with no suspects identified at the time. However, earlier this year, the San Jose Police Department reopened the investigation, collaborating with the Cold Case Team at the District Attorney's office. Utilizing DNA evidence, they identified 55-year-old Joseph Anthony Abeyta as the prime suspect in Ibarra's murder. Abeyta was already in custody at the Santa Clara County Jail for an unrelated matter when he was charged with murder. Authorities revealed that Abeyta and Ibarra were acquainted, and it is suspected that Abeyta may have stolen Ibarra's gold chain necklace, a ring, and his vehicle following the crime. The reopening of the case and subsequent arrest highlight the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice for victims of unsolved homicides. District Attorney Jeff Rosen emphasized that there is no statute of limitations for prosecuting violent crimes, indicating a strong resolve to hold offenders accountable regardless of the time elapsed. Acting Police Chief Paul Joseph praised the dedication of the Homicide Unit Detectives and DA Investigators, which played a crucial role in solving this long-standing case. Abeyta is scheduled for arraignment, and if convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison. This case serves as a reminder that law enforcement will continue to seek justice for victims and their families, no matter how much time has passed since the crime occurred.