Full Notification

DATE: 12/082015

TIME:  0659 hours

TYPE OF CRIME: Attempted Murder  (Stabbing)

CASE #: 15-6132

LOCATION: 800 Block of Montecellii Drive, Gilroy

VICTIMS: Name withheld – 59 Year Old, Female, Gilroy Resident

SUSPECT: Justin Skannal  – 36 Year Old Sacramento Resident (Photo Attached)

UPDATE:

On 12/16/2015, Justin Skannal was arrested in San Francisco, CA after a stand-off with police. He was booked on the $1,000,000 arrest warrant for this case as well as the other outstanding warrants for his arrest. Please contact SFPD for further information regarding the stand-off/arrest.

DETAILS:

On December 8, 2015 at approximately 0659 hours Gilroy Police and Fire units were dispatched to the 800 Block of Montecelli Drive, Gilroy regarding the victim of a stabbing. Upon arriving on scene, officers located a 59 year old female lying on the floor of her residence, suffering from multiple life-threatening stab wounds to her upper torso area.

Emergency medical personnel were able to stabilize the victim for transport to a San Jose trauma center, where the victim underwent emergency life saving surgery.

Gilroy Police Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators assumed the investigation, and were able to positively identify the suspect as 36 year old, Justin Skannal.Detectives learned that Skannal is the former son-in-law of the victim. Skannal forced his way into the residence demanding to know the whereabouts of his estranged wife. Skannal then forced his way into the victim's bedroom and again demanded to know where his estranged wife was. When she did not give him the information Skannal demanded, he began stabbing the victim multiple times as she was lying in her bed. The victim was able to push Skannal off of her at which time he fled the residence.

Skannal is a Sacramento area "Crip" criminal street gang member, and has an extensive criminal history including a prior conviction for making criminal threats toward his estranged wife. He is currently on active CDCR parole  and has active warrants for a recent parole violation and a domestic violence incident., which occurred in the City of Gilroy. Additionally there is an out of county, served criminal protective order prohibiting Skannal from contact with his estranged wife.

As a result of this incident a $1,000,000 warrant has been issued for Skannal's arrest. His current whereabouts are unknown however Skannal is known to have ties to The Sacramento, Modesto, and East Bay areas.

Skannal should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see or know the whereabouts of Skannal please do not attempt contact with him. The Gilroy Police Department asks that you call 911 and provide the call taker with as much information as possible.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detective Cryar at 408-846-0349.