An attorney from California is one of three individuals now facing charges in connection with a daytime attack at Santana Row, a luxurious hub for shopping and dining. Authorities have categorized this incident as an alleged antisemitic assault, as victims reported hearing slurs during the altercation.
The accused—32-year-old Bruneil Henry Chamaki from Morgan Hill, along with siblings Roma and Ramon Akoyans—have all surrendered to law enforcement, according to police reports.
The district attorney has announced that the trio is facing a combination of felony and misdemeanor charges related to assault and battery. Their arraignment is scheduled for May 12.
Jeff Rosen, the District Attorney for Santa Clara County, was unequivocal in his remarks.
Images of Roma and Ramon Akoyans and Bruneil Henry Chamaki have been released alongside a photograph of the Augustine restaurant at Santana Row, where this San Jose attack is being examined as a possible antisemitic hate crime. (SJPD/Google Maps)
“Attacking someone on the ground in front of a restaurant or any location is unacceptable,” Rosen stated firmly. “Our communal spaces must remain safe for everyone to use without fear.”
For now, prosecutors say they are not filing hate crime charges, but stress the case is still under investigation.
Police say arrest warrants were obtained for the three suspects, who all surrendered without incident.
“This remains an active case, and we will continue working closely with the District Attorney’s Office as it moves through the criminal justice process,” San Jose police said in a statement. “Those responsible for this violent crime will be held accountable.”
Investigators also acknowledged community concern and said they worked “methodically” to build the case.
Police say surveillance video, social media and tips from the public helped identify the suspects.
Chamaki, one of the suspects, is a licensed attorney who previously worked at Murphy Austin Adams Schoenfeld LLP. According to the firm, he has not been affiliated with them since the end of January.
“Murphy Austin was shocked and disturbed to learn of the violent incident reported in San Jose,” a spokesperson said in a statement to KTVU. “The conduct described in the reports is deeply troubling. Murphy Austin condemns antisemitism, violence, and acts of hatred in any form.”
Court records also list Roma Akoyans as a student at West Valley College.
Authorities said the victims alleged antisemitic language was used during the confrontation. (KTVU)
The attack unfolded March 8 outside the Augustine restaurant — right in the middle of Santana Row.
According to court documents, the victims — Israeli-American men — were standing outside waiting for a table and speaking Hebrew when three men approached them.
One of the victims later told police the men were looking at them “very weird,” prompting him to ask if they knew each other — that’s when things escalated.
Police say one of the suspects allegedly shouted “F— Jews” before all three began throwing punches, KTVU reported.
The violence escalated quickly.
One victim was knocked unconscious for several seconds, while another was surrounded and attacked.
Police said three male suspects allegedly approached two victims before the dispute escalated, and the suspects fled prior to officers arriving. (KTVU)
According to the report, one of the victims was beaten for roughly 20 seconds, with video showing the suspects repeatedly punching and kicking him while he was on the ground.
As the attack unfolded, bystanders could be heard yelling for the men to stop.
Another victim reported head pain and injuries to his elbow.
At least one witness told police they heard someone yell, “Don’t f— with Iran,” during the assault, according to KTVU.
The suspects then ran off, with surveillance video later capturing them leaving the area and getting into a car, investigators said.
Police say the victims later identified the suspects in photo lineups, and tips from the public helped solidify the case.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.
