A 28-year-old man charged with two murders allegedly led police to two bodies along the Guadalupe River after approaching an officer.
SAN JOSE, CA — Santa Clara County prosecutors say investigators are looking into whether there could be additional victims after a San Jose man allegedly confessed to killing two people and directed authorities to two bodies found in separate locations along the Guadalupe River.
Marcelino Castro, 28, is charged with two counts of murder in connection with the deaths. He appeared in Santa Clara County Superior Court on Thursday and was ordered held without bail. He did not enter a plea or make a statement during the hearing. The identities of the two victims had not been publicly released as investigators continued working to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The investigation began Saturday, Sept. 19, when Castro approached a San Jose police officer at about 5:15 p.m. and allegedly said he had killed someone, according to police and prosecutors. Officers went to an area near Lelong Avenue and Alma Avenue, close to the Guadalupe River and Highway 87, where they found a dead man. Castro was taken into custody.
During the investigation, authorities said Castro told detectives about another killing near Autumn Parkway and Coleman Avenue, more than 2 miles from the first location. Officers searched that area and found a second body. Both locations are along the Guadalupe River corridor. Police initially said they were investigating the motive and circumstances surrounding both deaths.
Prosecutors later provided more details about the alleged sequence of events. Deputy District Attorney Michael Gadeberg said the first victim was someone Castro knew, while the second victim apparently was a stranger. Prosecutors allege the killings occurred several days apart and that Castro planned the attacks and brought the victims to secluded locations. Authorities have not announced a confirmed motive.
The possibility that other victims could be connected to Castro remains under investigation. Gadeberg said investigators are still in the early stages of the case and have not ruled out finding additional victims. Authorities have so far confirmed two deaths connected to the case. No additional homicide charge had been announced as of Friday.
The two victims have not been publicly identified. Areas along the river where the bodies were discovered are also frequented by unhoused residents, but authorities have not confirmed that either victim was unhoused. Community advocates have raised concerns about safety along the river corridor following the discoveries.
Investigators also must develop evidence independent of Castro’s alleged statements as the criminal case moves forward. Police and prosecutors are continuing to examine the locations where the bodies were discovered and the circumstances leading to each death. Details contained in investigative records remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
Castro had initially been expected to appear in court Wednesday but did not appear. He made his first court appearance Thursday, when a judge ordered him held without bail. His next court date is scheduled for Dec. 8. The investigation remains active, and prosecutors said the possibility of additional victims has not been ruled out.
Author note: Last updated September 25, 2026.