San Jose detectives have arrested a 17-year-old in Santa Clara, naming him the third suspect in the July killing of college football player Raymond Orozco. The 22-year-old was stabbed outside a downtown nightclub on July 20, 2025, and later died at a hospital after what police describe as a months-long, video-driven investigation.
Months-Long Hunt Ends With Juvenile Arrest
According to KRON4, detectives took the teen into custody and booked him into Santa Clara County juvenile hall. Because he is under 18, his name has not been released. The San Jose Police Department told reporters that, based on court records, the juvenile is considered “responsible for the stabbing.” Authorities have not said when he might be formally charged.
Two Women Were First to Be Arrested
The new arrest follows the August 2025 arrests of two women in connection with Orozco’s killing. Mercedes Bette Rosales, 20, and Micaela Van, 18, were taken into custody and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail. Rosales was initially booked on suspicion of murder, and Van as an accessory to murder, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Court filings reviewed by investigators later laid out more detailed allegations about their roles that night.
Court Files Detail Nightclub Confrontation
Court documents obtained by KRON4 describe a confrontation outside the Loft nightclub at South Second Street and East San Fernando Avenue. Detectives say bystander and surveillance video show Van pulling a knife from her shoe and handing it to Rosales. Rosales then walked toward Orozco and stabbed him in the stomach, according to investigators.
Orozco later told officers that a woman had stabbed him, the court records state. Investigators say the two women left the area before police arrived.
Family Says Orozco Was Protecting a Friend
Family members and friends say Orozco stepped in to defend a friend as the fight broke out, and they have repeatedly urged anyone with video or information to speak up, according to KTVU, as the family appealed for witnesses. Investigators have said cellphone footage and surveillance clips have been key leads in the case.
Charges Pending as Case Moves Forward
Rosales and Van already face county-level charges tied to the killing, while the newly arrested juvenile remains in custody as detectives and prosecutors map out next steps. It is not yet clear whether prosecutors will seek a transfer or other special handling for the teen suspect, and the court has not released charging or scheduling information.
Detectives say they have relied heavily on witness statements and video evidence to build the case and are still asking anyone with relevant footage to contact investigators, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
