The murder of Santiago Jacobo, a 37-year-old custodian at Pleasant Hill Park, has led to the arrest of three suspects after an intensive three-month investigation. Jacobo, a resident of Pittsburg, CA, was found stabbed to death on February 10, following his shift at the park. His wife, after growing concerned with his delayed return, found his body and called 911, as reported by Hoodline.
Following the incident, detectives pieced together evidence that indicated the suspects and victim were acquainted, all working at The Watermark at San Ramon, an assisted living facility. In a statement by the Pleasant Hill Police Department, it is revealed that the suspects planned and executed the murder after Jacobo completed his night shift.
Arrested on May 31 were Pablo Gutierrez-Morales, 31, of Concord; Vanessa Vera-Aguilar, 24, of Antioch; and Jazmin Ruiz, 25, also of Antioch. They were booked on charges of Murder and Conspiracy to Commit Murder, as per the Pleasant Hill Police Department's release. The investigation also unearthed a love triangle as a possible motive, with suspect Vanessa Vera-Aguilar having been romantically involved with Jacobo. In contrast, suspect Pablo Gutierrez-Morales was purportedly seeking a new relationship with her.
The community, trying to process the brutality of Jacobo's death as he simply did menial janitorial tasks, stands in solidarity, mourning the life brutally cut short. Jacobo leaves behind a son and a daughter, as Hoodline reported. The police urge anyone with further information to contact the Pleasant Hill Police Investigations Bureau. The Pleasant Hill Police Department, alongside the City of Pleasant Hill and the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District, extended their deepest condolences to Jacobo's family and friends for the tragedy that has undoubtedly sent ripples of sorrow throughout the community.
