Neighbors stunned by San Jose couple's murder

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San Jose police say the homicides of an Evergreen neighborhood couple on Sunday was not a random act of violence and that the suspect or suspects were familiar with the victims’ family. Police have contacted the couple’s juvenile male child, but have not located or reached a second adult child.

Homicide detectives are attempting to locate him for questioning, but police say he is not considered a suspect at this time.  

On Monday, San Jose police identified the victims killed in their San Jose home as 59-year-old Golam Rabbi and his 57-year-old wife Shamima Rabbi. They were long-time residents of the neighborhood and active members of the Islamic community.

Police are releasing few details about the murders other than the couple was found shot to death at their home on Lucas Court.

Late Monday night, co-workers dropped off flowers at the home. Family friends said they were gentle, humble and selfless. Their deaths are sinking in.

A single candle and rose lay in the driveway of Golam and Shamima Rabbi's home in San Jose's Evergreen neighborhood, a day after the two were gunned down Sunday afternoon.

"I've known him for 30 plus years, so it's a loss," said Hasan Rahim of the Evergreen Islamic Center.

Rahim said they were dedicated members of the Evergreen Islamic Center and natives of Bangladesh.

"People were in disbelief, in shock, they were stunned and the loss is so enormous that we are still finding it difficult to come to grips with the truth," said Rahim.

"He always asked me about my family, now I can't answer him back," said Faisal Yazadi of the Evergreen Islamic Center. "I can't ask him about his family."

Authorities discovered the couple's bodies around 2 p.m. Sunday after relatives had been trying to get a hold of them. Police have not disclosed a motive or suspect information. The circumstances surrounding their deaths are unknown.

Family friends said Golam worked as a quality assurance engineer. His wife was a certified public accountant and they had two sons, ages 23 and 17. Golam also liked to hunt and according to friends had several guns in the house.

"I just said be careful," said Rahim. "If you have weapons in the house be careful."

Sunday's double homicide caps off what's been a violent week for the City of San Jose, including two other deadly shootings involving young men with suspects still on the loose. As for this latest homicide case, loved ones are remembering how the couple lived trying to find comfort from one another in the Muslim community.

"I still cannot reconcile the tragedy of this whole situation," said Rahim. "It is just unbelievable. It is just too much too accept."

The Evergreen Islamic Center is opening their doors offering spiritual support at this time. Anyone with information on their deaths is asked to contact San Jose Police.