Elijah Dominguez, 25—A Future Shattered by Hookah Lounge Terror

The community of San Jose, California, is struggling to process the devastating, senseless violence that tragically claimed the life of Elijah Dominguez and left three other men injured. Elijah, only 25 years old, was killed in an early morning shooting at the 818 Hookah Lounge on December 7, 2025. His death, which occurred after he was transported to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound, is a cruel and brutal loss. We mourn the vibrant future stolen from Elijah, a young man whose life was abruptly and violently extinguished in a place meant for social gathering.

The Chaos and Fear of That Fateful Night

The security footage depicting two dozen people running in terror away from the Hookah Lounge paints a heartbreaking picture of the chaos that consumed that moment. This tragic incident highlights a disturbing reality where a casual night out can turn deadly in mere minutes. The fact that the victims had to self-transport to the hospital, and the suspects were seen speeding away in a black vehicle, underscores the urgency and desperation of the scene. For Elijah’s family, the anguish of his passing is compounded by the terrifying image of the violence and the knowledge that one of the injured remains in critical condition, clinging to life.

Remembering Elijah: More Than a Homicide Statistic

At just 25 years old, Elijah Dominguez stood at the threshold of his adult life, full of potential, dreams, and connections that mattered deeply to those around him. His memory must not be reduced to a headline or a police report number. He was a loved one, a unique spirit whose absence leaves an immeasurable, aching void in the hearts of his family and friends. While detectives pursue leads, his loved ones are left to mourn the person he was—the son, the friend, the young man—whose life was stolen by an act of horrific violence.

Seeking Justice and Peace in San Jose

We extend our deepest and most sincere sympathies to the family of Elijah Dominguez and offer our prayers for the recovery of the three injured victims. The entire community demands justice and accountability for this brazen act of violence. May the investigation be swift and successful, allowing Elijah Dominguez’s family to finally find a measure of peace amidst this agonizing fight for truth.