Victim of violent San Jose VTA assault dies; suspect now faces possible murder charge

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- A man who was violently assaulted at a Valley Transportation Authority station in San Jose has succumbed to his injuries and died, leading to possible murder charges for the suspect in custody, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office said Thursday.

Deputies initially arrested Brandon Fryshaw, 23, after a late-night fight at the Gish VTA light rail station in San Jose on Sept. 29, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded shortly after midnight after getting reports about an unresponsive man on the platform. When they arrived, they found a 42-year-old man who had been severely beaten with significant head injuries. The victim had been in critical condition ever since, and on Wednesday, he died.

Detectives investigated and identified Fryshaw as a possible suspect and he was booked into jail on suspicion of attempted murder. The case is now being investigated as homicide, the Sheriff's Office said.

Investigators also believe Fryshaw may be connected to another assault upon an unhoused person at the Saint James VTA station in San Jose, the Sheriff's Office said.

Anyone who witnessed the assault or has information that could help the investigation is urged to call the Sheriff's Office at (408) 808-4500 or email SHF.SOTIPS@shf.sccgov.org. Anonymous tips can also be left at (408) 808-4431.