Co-Worker Arrested In Homicide At Santa Clara's Central Park: PD

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Santa Clara police announced the arrest Tuesday of the suspect in a homicide Friday at Central Park. Police responded to the park at 7:18 a.m. to find the victim, later identified as Raynard Hyde, 54, of Campbell, unconscious on the ground near the duck pond, with his nose bleeding. Officers immediately began life-saving procedures but Hyde was lifeless and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Although there were no obvious signs of trauma to Hyde's body, investigating officers became suspicious about how he may have died.

Investigators continued working the case through the weekend, collecting evidence and talking with friends and acquaintances of Hyde. Through interviews, police learned Hyde was allegedly in the company of a co-worker, Gage Taren McCartney, 25, of Sunnyvale.

After the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office ruled Hyde's death a homicide, Santa Clara police went to McCartney's Sunnyvale residence at 6:18 p.m. Tuesday and took him into custody.

McCartney was subsequently booked into Santa Clara County Main Jail on suspicion of murder.

Hyde worked at a Safeway on 2760 Homestead Road in Santa Clara, according to a spokeswoman for the grocery store.

"We mourn the unexpected loss of Ray Hyde. We send our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Ray's family, friends, and co-workers. Our team at the Homestead store will miss seeing him at work," spokeswoman Wendy Gutshall said in a statement.

Gutshall did not confirm whether McCartney worked at the store, but said Safeway is cooperating with police to give them any information that might assist in their investigation.

On Sunday on Facebook, Ramone Hyde, the victim's brother, shared the news of Hyde's death, saying Hyde loved his family and God, loved to laugh and was the "absolute best big brother ever."

Hyde attended the Cathedral of Faith in San Jose, according to the church, and many remarked on Hyde's faith in God and the songs he would sing at church. Others said Hyde was a beautiful person and a "joy to have known."

Police asked anyone with information pertinent to the investigation, or anyone who may have seen the two men in Central Park, to contact Detective Sgt. Nick Richards at 408-615- 4814.

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Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

Photos courtesy Santa Clara Police Department