VTA Bus Driver Fatally Shot by Coworker over Gambling Debt

A deadly shooting in San Jose, California, claimed the life of one person late last week. Police detained a man suspected of the killing that allegedly happened due to an unpaid gambling debt.

Suspect May Face First-Degree Murder Charge

Last week, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office announced it is investigating a deadly shooting that has taken place at the Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) Chaboya Division Yard. On Friday, law enforcement found a person with a gunshot wound on site. Providing no vital signs, the victim was pronounced dead upon arrival.

An investigation into the violent crime led to the arrest of a 33-year-old man identified with the initials D.M.B. The person, employed by the VTA and a colleague of the deceased, is suspected of fatally shooting the victim, a 45-year-old man identified with the initials R.T.

“Units are actively investigating a shooting that occurred at the VTA Chaboya Division Yard. One victim was involved and has been pronounced deceased. Our Homicide and Crime Scene Detectives are actively investigating the crime scene,“

reads a statement released by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office

The 33-year-old suspect may face a first-degree murder charge over his involvement in the crime. Murder in the first degree is a crime that faces tough punishment in California. Individuals convicted of such charges face punishment by death, life imprisonment without parole or imprisonment of 25 years to life.

Betting Debt Is Suspected as a Prime Motive for the Deadly Shooting

The tragic incident comes on the heels of another crime in recent years that has claimed the lives of nearly a dozen people. Back in 2021, a shooting at Santa Clara VTA’s Guadalupe yard claimed the lives of nine people. The deadly crime was the result of the actions of a single former employee who took his own life after the brutal killings.

Focusing on the most recent crime, as announced by Mercury News, citing Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Sugey Jaimez, the victim and the suspect engaged in “the same activities outside of their VTA employment.” Capt. Jaimez added: “We believe the motive had to do with money owed between the two from their betting activities, which had nothing to do with their employment.”

The Sheriff’s Office released an update on Monday, confirming that the exact motive of the crime is being investigated. Law enforcement also confirmed that the suspect in the killing is held on a first-degree murder charge. Finally, police said that an update on the case is expected on Tuesday during a press conference at the Sheriff’s Office with the participation of VTA officials.