Bay Area mom seeks justice after sketches of son's killers from 2013 released

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- San Jose police have released sketches of two possible suspects in the 2013 stabbing death of 17-year-old Anthony Santa Cruz, renewing efforts to solve a case that remains unsolved more than a decade later.

Investigators said the killing happened near North 21st and Julian streets as nearby San Jose High School was getting out.

Police said there was a physical altercation between Santa Cruz and two men before he was stabbed. The suspects then ran from the scene. Authorities said the attack was potentially gang-related.

The newly released sketches depict what the two suspects looked like at the time.

Police described one as thin and about 5 feet 5 inches tall, while the other had a heavier build and stood about 6 feet tall.

Santa Cruz's mother, Elsa Lopez, said her grief remains just as intense years later.

"His loss was a big, big hit to us. To this day, I still say I wish it was just a dream. I wish I would have woke up out of this nightmare," Lopez said.

The case has not been solved, something Lopez said she struggles to understand.

"Why is it taking so long to solve this case? Why? I just don't understand it. I can't just let it go; that's my baby. They took his life," she said.

Police said that while detectives exhausted leads in the initial investigation, they are continuing to pursue the case as part of ongoing efforts to solve cold homicides.

"Back in 2013, detectives did exhaust all leads, but again, due to our commitment in investigating these homicide cold cases. We want to renew or ask again for the public's assistance, for any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of these suspects," San Jose Police Department Senior Public Information Specialist Stacie Shih said.

Lopez said the release of the sketches more than a decade later was unexpected and resurfaced painful memories.

She described her son as a loving teenager with a playful personality and said she remains determined to seek justice.

"Justice for him means a lot - that I didn't give up on my son and that he didn't die in vain, that I am his voice. And I will continue to be his voice, even if they silence him - they didn't silence his mother. And I love my son with all my heart. And up to my last breath, I'll be out here by myself if I have to be," Lopez said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the San Jose Police Department.