UNION CITY — Just before he was killed on his front driveway, Joaquin Tenorio could be seen on video manipulating his phone, possibly to shut off his surveillance camera for reasons that remain under investigation, authorities say.
The home security camera went blank a few months later, just before Tenorio’s killer pulled up in a red sedan and shot the 35-year-old married father of three as he was preparing to go for a motorcycle ride at around 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2021. Now, more than five years later, the homicide continues to confoundUnion City police, who have investigated several suspects and possible motives without a resolution.
Other residents had their home cameras on that night, and police were able to track the red sedan as it traveled to and from Tenorio’s home on the 4200 block of Queen Ann Drive. Now, authorities have released a still frame from video of the suspect vehicle, which they’ve publicly identified as a Buick Lucerne, and are asking the public for help.
“Detectives have now developed a new lead they believe could help solve the case,” a Union City police news release says.
Police are asking anyone who recognizes the sedan to call their detectives.
It remains unclear where Tenorio was planning to ride that night. The available surveillance footage shows him readying his motorcycle and getting a helmet, at the same time the Buick was seen traveling toward Queen Ann Drive. Footage from a neighbor’s camera across the street and witness statements leave little doubt he was targeted; Tenorio’s killer walked out of the car, came up, fired a single shot from a few feet away, and fled, authorities said.
Tenorio’s phone contained one possible clue: a man had been leaving angry voice mails for weeks, irate about an unpaid debt and how Tenorio was “ignoring my calls.”
“I need my dough. I need my dough,” one of the voicemails reportedly said. The last message came in about two weeks before he was killed.
Loved ones told police that Tenorio was an avid gambler but was private about that part of his life. He’d worked several jobs over the years, including at an industrial supply company and more recently as a logistics operator for a chemical company. He went by the nickname Kenny. His body was discovered by his wife, who was a few doors down, heard the gunshot, and came to investigate, authorities said.
“My brother was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, son, and friend. He leaves behind a very loving wife, three gorgeous boys. With their whole world turned around,” says an online fundraiser that netted more than $37,000.
Police say they’ve interviewed suspects, one of whom claimed not to know Tenorio but then oddly recited details about his life. One of the suspects was also a person of interest in a January 2022 Oakland killing of a grocery delivery man, authorities said. But to date, no one has ever been charged.
Anyone with information about the homicide can call Det. Michael Bedford at 510-675-522 or email tips@unioncity.org. Anonymous tips can be left at 510-675-5207.