* Eduardo Cristobal, Erik Diaz, Hugo Torres and Diego Gutierrez Suspects in Alleged Halloween Stabbing Delay Entering a Plea

Published by Junior Staff Writer on March 24, 2010

Four suspects accused of shooting a 12-year-old boy and stabbing his 13-year-old friend in San Jose on Halloween appeared in Santa Clara County Superior Court Tuesday but delayed entering pleas. The suspects, Eduardo Cristobal, 18, of Milpitas; and San Jose residents Erik Diaz, 16, Hugo Torres, 15, and Diego Gutierrez, 16, are being held without bail and are each charged with two counts of attempted murder. Diaz, Torres and Gutierrez are being charged as adults. The suspects are accused of stabbing and shooting two Lee Mathson Middle School students while they were trick-or-treating last Halloween. The students were attacked at about 10 p.m. and taken to a hospital, where the 12-year-old shooting victim – who was shot in the head – was listed in grave condition, according to police. Family members said he emerged from a coma in December. Police said the attacks were gang-related, but neither victim was affiliated with a gang. The district attorney’s office has charged all four suspects as adults. They will appear in Santa Clara County Superior Court on May 12, when they are expected to enter pleas.