Three San Jose Murder Victims Cared About Their Communities

"On Sept. 19, court documents identified the victims as Tarrah Lynn Taylor, Jeannessa Lurie and Max Chavez Ryan, all in their 20s, all from San Jose. Taylor, 26, Lurie, 24, and Ryan, 26, were killed by multiple gunshots shortly after midnight on Sept. 16. Taylor, who police said was the primary target of the attacker, filled her social media posts with photos of herself with friends, dogs and cats. She reposted content about National Parks and pro-environment causes. She had attended Foothill College."

"Ryan had worked as an outreach worker with the San Jose Housing Department since February, assisting homeless people moving from Columbus Park campsites to more temporary housing. He is survived by his parents, Joe and Carla Ryan, and two younger brothers. Ryan graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2022 and in addition to his work helping the homeless, was a writer, musician and painter."

""He had helped hundreds of people move from the Columbus Park homeless encampment," the housing department said in a statement. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to his friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Max served his community on our Homelessness Response Outreach Team. His commitment to the people of San José, and in particular the most vulnerable among us, exemplified the thoughtful, caring human he was. He will be remembered not only for his professional contributions, but also for his kindness, compassion, and spirit.""

Three people in their 20s from San Jose—Tarrah Lynn Taylor (26), Jeannessa Lurie (24) and Max Chavez Ryan (26)—were killed by multiple gunshots shortly after midnight on Sept. 16. A suspect known to the victims was arrested on Sept. 17. Authorities and family provided only basic details such as ages, residence, dates of death, and cause of death. Taylor was identified as the primary target; her social media featured friends, pets, environmental content, and she attended Foothill College. Ryan worked for the San Jose Housing Department assisting homeless residents, graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2022, and was remembered for his service, creativity, and compassion. Lurie graduated from Mid-Peninsula High School, attended CSU Monterey Bay, and was pursuing a career.

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