Update: Arrests made in King City mass shooting, related double homicide
Update posted May 11, 2024:
King City Police vehicles.
Authorities link King City mass shooting to Soledad double homicide
– On Friday, May 10, at 9 a.m., The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, King City Police Department, and Salinas Police Department held a joint press conference to announce arrests that have been made related to the King City mass shooting that occurred on March 3, 2024, that left four people dead and the South Monterey County double homicide that occurred on Feb. 4, 2024, that resulted in the deaths of two cousins. Also announced were charges related to a Salinas Armed Robbery.
Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto stood present with representatives from the nearly 30 local, regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies that assisted in the ongoing investigation into these tragic incidents. She presented details of the South Monterey County double homicide that occurred on Feb. 4 that left cousins Andres Garcia and Jack Canchola dead of apparent gunshot wounds. She then presented details of the King City Mass shooting that occurred on March 3, 2024, in which 11 persons were shot, four fatally. Killed in this incident were Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, who was celebrating her birthday, Mario Guzman Mendoza, Francisco Aldape Perez, and Olivo Perez Pina.
Sheriff Tina Nieto announced the arrests of Jonathan Leal Cervantes, age 18 of Greenfield, and Pedro Manuel Nava age 32 of Greenfield. Also arrested was a juvenile of Greenfield. The name and age of the juvenile could not be released due to their age.
She added that each of these individuals is being charged with four counts of murder, four counts of criminal conspiracy to commit murder, seven counts of attempted murder, and weapons and gang enhancement charges related to the King City Mass Shooting. Additionally, each face two counts of murder related to the South Monterey County Double Homicide and additional charges related to an armed robbery that occurred in the City of Salinas.
“I cannot tell you how honored I am of the men and women who have come together and worked countless hours to allow us to make this announcement to you today,” Sheriff Nieto said, “It is our hope that this announcement can help restore a sense of security to the communities of King City and South Monterey County. We continue to extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims who were injured during the King City Mass Shooting. We pray for your full recovery and that peace can be restored to you and your families.”
“As a result of unprecedented teamwork and collaboration amongst multiple law enforcement agencies, we are able to announce the arrest of these three individuals for these evil and senseless acts,” King City Police Chief James Hunt stated.
Additional statements were made by Acting Salinas Police Chief John Murray, Monterey County District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez, and King City Mayor Mike LeBarre, each of whom thanked all involved for coming together to identify the suspects announced today.
The juvenile suspect was scheduled to be arraigned in Monterey County Juvenile Court at 9:30 a.m. on Friday. Nava and Cervantes were scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. in Salinas Superior Court on Friday, May 10.
The complete press conference can be viewed on the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department Facebook page by visiting https://www.facebook.com/MontereyCountySheriffsOffice.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Announced that this investigation has been handed over to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office. Due to the complexity of the investigation and to protect the integrity of the investigation, no further details about the investigation will be provided in order to allow the justice system to take its course.
Story posted April 19, 2024:
– Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputies, in conjunction with the King City Police Department, have established a connection between the King City mass shooting and the double homicide of two cousins near Soledad, officials announced this week.
The mass shooting, which occurred on March 3, resulted in 11 individuals being shot at a birthday celebration on the 200 block of Second Street in King City. Among the victims, seven sustained injuries while four lost their lives. The double homicide took place on Feb. 4 on Los Coches Road, claiming the lives of two cousins.
In the ongoing investigation, more than 50 search warrants have been served. As part of these efforts, on Apr. 18, law enforcement agencies, including the King City Police, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, and other allied entities, conducted additional searches on the 200 block of 6th Street and 3000 block of 11th Street in Greenfield.
Several arrests have been made in connection with these incidents, as investigators continue their work to solve the crimes. Multiple persons of interest have been identified, with all leads under investigation. Although it has been confirmed that the suspects have ties to gangs, authorities emphasize the innocence of all victims.
Public cooperation has been crucial in establishing these connections. However, further details cannot be disclosed at this time due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Individuals with pertinent information are encouraged to reach out to Monterey County Detective Arras Wilson at (831) 759-7203, King City Sgt. J. Partida at (831) 537-8415, or Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Unit at (831) 755-3773.
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