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Today, the two suspects arrested in connection with a San Leandro homicide were charged with murder and attempted murder by the Alameda County District Attorney.

San Leandro Police detectives presented the case against 23 yr-old Michael Mendozaroche of Alameda and 23 yr-old Alex Fernandez of Oakland to the District Attorney's Office. District Attorney Mark Jackson reviewed the case and filed murder charges on both men.

The case involved hours of investigation, including witness interviews, video surveillance, evidence processing and more. San Leandro Police detectives worked tirelessly and around the clock to identify and arrest the two suspects responsible for killing 25 yr-old Michael Kittrell Smith and critically injuring his 36 yr-old co-worker and friend. The second victim remains unconscious in a local hospital in critical condition.

The incident occurred late Tuesday evening June 19th at the San Leandro Washington Plaza, an open-air strip mall located in downtown San Leandro. Four men, including the two suspects and the two victims, found themselves in the parking lot after leaving a local bar/restaurant after closing.

The four men appear to engage in an altercation according to video surveillance and witness testimony, however, the content of the dispute is unknown. The event escalated to a physical confrontation in the parking lot involving all four men. The fight turned deadly when the victims were stabbed multiple times. According to witnesses, the victims were left for dead when the suspects fled the area in their vehicle after the attack.

San Leandro Police officers responded to the area after several 9-1-1 calls reporting the assault. When officers arrived at the scene, they found both victims bleeding and suffering from multiple stab wounds. Paramedics arrived and desperately tried to save Smith, however, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The second victim was clinging to life and was immediately transported to a local trauma hospital.

In the hours following the incident, detectives began examining the crime scene and following leads. Several witnesses in the area who saw various parts of the incident cooperated with the detectives and gave accounts of what they saw. Video surveillance from surrounding business also proved to be very helpful in linking the timeline of events. Evidence believed to be the stabbing instrument was also located nearby which is believed to have been discarded by the suspects.

"We are very thankful to the community, and to everyone who came forward to assist us in the investigation," said Lieutenant Isaac Benabou. "Without the assistance of witnesses, business owners, and residents in the area it would have been a challenging and time-consuming investigation." Officers, detectives, and professional staff worked persistently to determine the identity of the two suspects, and within 12 hours of the murder, both suspects were in police custody. "This is an impressive achievement, and it goes to show the level of commitment and compassion towards law enforcement that lies within our department and community."

The San Leandro Washington Plaza is a central gathering place for the community to shop, dine, exercise, and relax. This type of crime is uncommon in San Leandro, and this is the first homicide in San Leandro for 2018. San Leandro had two homicides in 2017.

Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to the victims and their families in this tragic event, and we wish for a speedy recovery to the victim recovering in the hospital.