SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA — A quiet neighborhood in Sunnyvale was rocked by violence on the evening of Thursday, May 29, 2025, as a fatal shooting claimed one life and prompted a swift and intensive investigation by the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS). Authorities have since confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a homicide, with 44-year-old Jesus Aguilera, a resident of Sunnyvale, identified as the primary suspect.
According to preliminary reports, Sunnyvale DPS officers responded to multiple 911 calls at approximately 8:12 p.m. regarding gunfire near a residential area in the 600 block of South Fair Oaks Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts from first responders and paramedics at the scene, the victim was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released, pending official notification of next of kin. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect and victim were known to one another, though the nature of their relationship and the motive behind the shooting remain under active investigation.
Witnesses in the area described a chaotic scene, with one resident stating they heard “four or five loud pops” followed by “people yelling and someone running down the sidewalk.” Officers quickly secured the perimeter, and detectives began canvassing the area for surveillance footage and additional witness statements.
In a press release issued Friday morning, Sunnyvale DPS confirmed that Jesus Aguilera has been identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting. Aguilera is described as a 44-year-old Hispanic male, known to local authorities. His current whereabouts were not disclosed as of the time of the announcement, but investigators are working diligently to locate and apprehend him. Authorities have urged anyone with information about Aguilera’s location or the incident to contact the Sunnyvale DPS Investigations Unit.
“We are treating this case as a homicide and have dedicated significant resources to identifying and apprehending the person responsible,” said Captain Miguel Sandoval, spokesperson for the department. “This was a violent act that occurred in a residential neighborhood, and we are asking the community to assist us by coming forward with any information that could help us bring justice to the victim’s family.”
Neighbors say the area is typically peaceful, making Thursday night’s violence all the more disturbing. “This doesn’t happen around here,” one local resident said. “We’re shocked. It’s scary to think something like this could happen so close to home.”
The Sunnyvale DPS has also indicated that additional forensic evidence is being processed, and detectives are exploring whether any prior disputes, threats, or incidents involving Aguilera may be connected to the shooting. At this stage, no additional suspects are being sought.
The fatal shooting marks one of the most serious violent incidents in Sunnyvale this year, prompting renewed concerns about gun violence and public safety. City leaders have expressed their condolences to the victim’s family and affirmed their commitment to supporting the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to call the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety at (408) 730-7100 or contact Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at (408) 947-STOP (7867).
This is a developing story. Further updates, including the identity of the victim and any potential charges filed against Jesus Aguilera, will be released as new details become available.
Community members with surveillance systems in the area of South Fair Oaks Avenue are also encouraged to review their footage from the evening of May 29 and share anything suspicious or relevant with investigators.