Rodolfo "Rudy" Cardenas
December 30, 1960 - February 17th, 2004
A beloved son, father and grandfather
43 Years Old
Rudy Cardenas was a 43-year-old loving father of 5. Rudy was born in McAllen, TX, and moved to California as a child.
He was the youngest of 7 children. He spent much of his life between San Jose and Bakersfield. Rudy had a lightheartedness about him and loved joking around. He would always help anyone without hesitation.
Just like anyone else, he had his flaws but he tried his best to make sure those close to him felt loved. Rudy loved going on spur-of-the-moment trips. He also loved lengua tacos and knew the best spots for late-night taco cravings.
Rudy could always put a smile on your face, regardless of what mood you were in.
Rudy loved music and we created a playlist in memory of Rudy Cardenas.
NO JUSTICE, NO PEACE
FIRST 24
On February 17, 2004, Rudy's eldest daughters Regina and Corina were notified by friends and relatives that they believed Rudy was killed in downtown San Jose that afternoon. They refused to believe this and drove downtown to try and gain access to the crime scene. At this time during the evening, the crime scene was taped off by SJPD and they were refused access and any information about what happened and if Rudy was still alive. The next location was the San Jose Medical Center. The girls rushed into the emergency department and asked if their father was there or if he had passed and they refused to answer any questions. Later that evening SJPD offered information only if they drove down to the police station to meet with homicide investigators. During this time the family was split up into different rooms. Both daughters were placed into different interrogation rooms and questioned. Corina remembers being questioned about her father's mental health and if he was suicidal.
"I personally feel the police immediately wanted to create a narrative that my father was suicidal and this created a tunnel vision in their homicide investigation. I do not believe the case was handled fairly by law enforcement. No family member should have to be interrogated after their loved one is killed. I entered the police station feeling hopeful and left feeling a deep sadness that police are not here to protect everyone" - Corina