13-year-old fatally stabs teen in Valentine’s Day attack at shops, California cops say

A 13-year-old boy accused of stabbing a teen to death on Valentine’s Day has been arrested in the “senseless” attack, California police say.

Four others, including three 16-year-olds and Emanuel Sanchez-Damian, 18, are accused of assault in the slaying at 7:15 p.m. Feb. 14, San Jose police said in a Feb. 24 news release.

David S. Gutierrez, 15, was on a date with his girlfriend when he was killed, a GoFundMe by his family said.

“We lost our baby,” the GoFundMe said.

Gutierrez also was a boxer at Gladiators Boxing Gym in Redwood City, KTVU reported.

“He was more than just a fighter — he was family, full of heart, determination, and a bright future ahead,” the gym said, according to the outlet.

The attack took place in the upscale Santana Row entertainment district, police said. Officers responding to a fight found Gutierrez, who later died at a hospital.

The five accused attackers, who had fled, were arrested last week following an investigation, police said.

“This act was as senseless as it was heartbreaking,” Police Chief Paul Joseph said at a press conference announcing the arrests, KRON reported.

Police said the five accused attackers were wearing gang colors and “actively seeking confrontation,” KRON said. Gutierrez tried to escape the attack but the 13-year-old chased and stabbed him repeatedly, police said.

Gutierrez had no gang ties, police told KGO. They said he was in the “wrong place at the wrong time.”

“There’s nothing more disturbing than kids killing kids,” San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said, according to the station. “No kid should go to the mall and be scared that they are not going to make it home. David Gutierrez deserved better.”

San Jose is about a 55-mile drive southeast from San Francisco.

This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 7:13 AM with the headline "13-year-old fatally stabs teen in Valentine’s Day attack at shops, California cops say."