A San José man is behind bars after police say he stabbed a stranger multiple times in an unprovoked attack near Branham Lane and Kingspark Drive, and detectives now fear there could be other victims out there who haven't come forward. Paul Marquez, 30, was arrested on October 3 and booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
The attack happened on September 26, when a man was walking near Branham Lane and Kingspark Drive and was approached by a man he did not know, according to San José Police Media Relations
. Police said the suspect grabbed the victim and stabbed him multiple times before fleeing the scene. The victim transported himself to a local hospital for treatment, and San José Police Department patrol officers responded there to take the stabbing report.
Investigators opened an investigation. Real Time Intelligence Center footage helped identify Marquez as a suspect. That led detectives to seek and obtain an arrest warrant, which resulted in Marquez's arrest in San José on October 3. The crime has been classified as attempted murder.
Detectives Worry the Attack Wasn't Isolated
What's drawing particular concern from investigators is the nature of the attack itself. Detectives said the way the assault unfolded — an unprovoked stranger attack — has them believing there could be additional victims who have not yet been identified. Police are asking anyone with information about this case or similar incidents to contact Detective Wilson of the Assaults Unit, reachable at 408-277-4161 or by email at [email protected].
Tipsters who prefer to stay anonymous can also submit information through the P3 Tips mobile app, by calling (408) 947-STOP, or through the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers website, and those whose tips lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
Part of a Pattern of Unprovoked Attacks in San José
This isn't the first time San José has seen a seemingly random stabbing of a stranger make headlines. In October 2023, police investigated an unprovoked stabbing on the Penitencia Creek Trail near the Berryessa Community Center, where, according to mercurynews.com, a man was attacked. That victim was found with at least one stab wound but was expected to survive, and police said they would increase patrols in the area as the investigation continued.
No court records, charging documents, hearing dates, or bail information have been made public in Marquez's case, and it remains unclear whether he has retained an attorney or entered a plea. For now, SJPD's message to the public is straightforward: if you were near Branham Lane and Kingspark Drive around the time of the attack, or if you've experienced something similar, detectives want to hear from you.
