Fil-Am bus operator shot dead by co-worker over gambling debt

SAN JOSE, Calif. – A Filipino American bus operator, who was allegedly shot to death by a co-worker in San Jose, Calif., over a gambling debt, was buried this week.

The victim, 45-year-old Regulus “Reggie” Teotico, and the suspect, Duc Minh Bui, 33, were both employees at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).

The suspect was identified as Teotico’s co-worker, Duc Minh Bui. Photo from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office

Teotico was found with multiple gunshot wounds near his vehicle at the VTA parking lot, investigators said. He was pronounced dead at the scene on Sept. 20.

Bui, who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, is scheduled to appear in court to enter a plea on Dec. 10.

Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Captain Sugey Jaimez told ABC7 that “the motive had to do with money owed between the two from their betting activities that had nothing to do with their employment.”

A CCTV video showed Bui pulling a gun out of a bag and shooting Teotico, according to investigators.

VTA Chief Executive Officer Carolyn Gonot described Teotico, who worked for the transit agency for 10 years, as a “kind, hardworking driver who was well known amongst his colleagues.”

It was not the first incident of gun violence at VTA.  In 2021, 42-year-old Filipino American  Paul Delacruz Megia and eight other VTA employees were killed in a mass shooting at the VTA rail yard.

A disgruntled 57-year-old employee, Samuel Cassidy, shot and killed the nine VTA employees before committing suicide. It was the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Paul Delacruz Megia (center), a father of four, was one of nine VTA employees killed in the 2021 mass shooting at the VTA rail yard. FILE PHOTO

A memorial was held for Teotico at Orchard City Banquet Hall on Oct. 10.

Teotico is survived by his two children, Reese and Cali, “who were the light of his life,” his father Reynaldo Teotico, mother Raquel Joe and sister Vega DeLeonibus, his obituary stated.

“Known for his boundless generosity and his sharp sense of humor, Regus could light up any room,” the obit said. “He had a rare gift of making everyone feel special, and his infectious laughter was a constant source of joy for those who were lucky enough to know him.”

A GoFundMe has been set up for Teotico’s family.

“His sudden departure has left an unimaginable void in our lives, and we are struggling to come to terms with this heartbreaking reality,” the GoFundMe page stated.

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