San Jose Bus Driver Shot Colleague Dead Over Gambling Debt, Police Say

Posted on: September 24, 2024, 05:28h. 

Last updated on: September 25, 2024, 10:48h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More

Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.

A San Jose, Calif. bus driver allegedly shot and killed a co-worker over an unpaid gambling debt, according to authorities.

Duc Minh Bui, 33, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of the first-degree murder of Regulus “Reggie” Teotico, 45, a fellow driver for the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).

Authorities suspect Bui shot the father-of-two to death on the morning of Sunday, September 22 at the Chaboya Division Yard in San Jose.

When responders arrived at the yard, they found the victim bleeding heavily from gunshot injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

‘Kind, Hard-Working Driver’

Bui, who was identified by surveillance video, was arrested close to his home shortly afterward. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said Monday that evidence suggests Bui is “solely responsible” for the killing.

VTA general manager Carolyn Gonot described Teotico as “a kind, hard-working driver who was well-known amongst his colleagues.” He had been employed with the VTA for 10 years, and he and Bui were known to be friends who fraternized outside of work.

They were known to participate in the same activities outside of their VTA employment,” Sheriff’s Capt. Sugey Jaimez said in a news conference Monday. “We believe the motive had to do with money owed between the two from their betting activities, which had nothing to do with their employment.”

Jaimez added there were “no red flags” on the suspect, who has no criminal history.

VTA Mass-Shooting Recalled

VTA employees are still coming to terms with a workplace mass shooting three years ago that was the deadliest in Bay Area History.

On May 26, 2021, Samuel James Cassidy, a disgruntled electro-mechanic, sent his home ablaze before proceeding to open fire on colleagues at the VTA railyard in San Jose.

The shooting occurred at the busiest time of day at the yard. Over 100 employees were present during a shift change when workers from the overnight and morning shifts overlapped.

Cassidy killed nine men during a shooting spree in which he appeared to select his victims carefully, sparing others. Then he turned his gun on himself.

“We were rebuilding after the tragic incident of three years ago, and so for many people, this is reliving one of the worst experiences they’ve ever had in their life,” County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, chair of the VTA board of directors, said during Monday’s news conference. “That’s why the mental health services […and…] us wrapping our arms around each other is so important.”

A candlelight vigil was held for Teotico on Sunday night.