Man accused of ‘hunting’ for East Bay victims makes court appearance

DUBLIN, Calif. (KRON) — A San Jose man who allegedly went out “hunting” for victims around the East Bay was back in court on Thursday.

Rohith Sunil, 21, appeared in the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin with his defense attorney before he returned to jail. He is charged with murdering a stranger, 41-year-old Casey Way of San Leandro. Sunil has pleaded not guilty.

On the night of July 17, Sunil pretended to be lost in San Leandro when he approached Way and her boyfriend while they were walking their dogs along East 14th Street.

As Way was attempting to give him directions, Sunil pulled out a gun, shot her, and laughed, the victim’s boyfriend, Allan Wallace, told KRON4.

“Hunting people down … for what? For no reason whatsoever. And then to just laugh and walk away. That guy needs to be put in a box somewhere,” Wallace said.

San Leandro police Lt. Matthew Barajas said, “There’s no indication that the victim or witness knew the suspect. We don’t have any connection.”

After the homicide, Sunil drove to Dublin where he followed another victim’s car, according to a police report. The Dublin victim told 911 dispatchers that a sedan with no license plates was following them. Dublin police officers found Sunil in his Mercedes with a gun and arrested him. In a police report, officers noted that Sunil had a teardrop tattooed under his eye.

If convicted, Sunil could face 50 years to life in state prison.