Watch CBS News

Suspects Sought In Fatal Beating Of San Jose 8th Grader

SAN JOSE (CBS 5) -- A 14-year-old San Jose boy died from his injures after being brutally beaten at a park known for gang activity last week.

On Tuesday, blood stains still marked the spot where Heriberto Reyes was attacked at Roosevelt Park Friday night.

According to San Jose police, Reyes was dropped off by his father at the park. Minutes later, he was repeatedly punched and kicked by several gang members.

Reyes died from his injuries on Monday. It is unclear if Reyes was involved in any gang.

Police said they are searching for witnesses to the beating. According to a San Jose city employee, surveillance video shows people running from the park at the time of the assault.

"We want the public to understand the brutal nature of this crime, and the fact that we need their help to find who did this," said Sgt. Jason Dwyer.

No suspects have been named in the case.

"It's sad, that this is happening in this community. It's kind of scary," park visitor Maribel Garcia told CBS 5 on Tuesday.

Reyes was an 8th grader at Bernal Intermediate School in South San Jose, where grief counselors were sent Tuesday. Friends told CBS 5 he was expelled from his previous school.

"It's tragic that a young man who was only 14 years old is no longer with us," said Superintendent Tony Garcia of the Oak Grove School District.

Patrick Brown Jr., a classmate of Reyes, said he will remember his sense of humor. "It's kind of disturbing that he passed away. Can't grieve on it," Brown said. "I mean, he's looking over us, he's watching over us, looking down on us. And protecting us, and watching out for us."

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.