A major breakthrough has been announced in the investigation into the King City mass shooting and a double homicide in South Monterey County, with the arrest of three suspects. Jonathan Leal Cervantes, 18, Pedro Manuel Nava, 32, and a juvenile suspect, all from Greenfield, have been charged with six counts of homicide, seven counts of attempted homicide, armed robbery, and gang-related enhancements.
The King City mass shooting occurred on March 3, 2024, during a birthday celebration outside a residence on North 2nd Street, resulting in 11 individuals being shot, with four fatalities. The double homicide occurred in early February 2024, near the Salinas River at 41000 Los Coches Road, claiming the lives of two cousins.
The two adult suspects, Cervantes and Nava, are scheduled to appear for arraignment on Friday in a Salinas courtroom. The juvenile suspect’s name has not been released due to their age.
According to investigators, three masked assailants emerged from a stolen silver KIA and commenced firing at the King City gathering, subsequently fleeing the scene and abandoning the stolen vehicle in a vineyard on Apple Street outside of Greenfield.
The victims killed in the King City mass shooting have been identified as Mario Guzman Mendoza, 42, Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, 32, Francisco Aldape Perez, 32, and Olivo Perez Pina, 32, all residents of King City.
In the double homicide case, the victims, Andres “Chavita” Garcia, 26, and Jack Canchola, 20, both residents of Soledad, were confirmed by deputies to have no affiliation with any gangs. According to an investigator, the cousins encountered at least two assailants at the location, attempted to flee in their pickup truck, but were pursued by the suspects, resulting in a fatal collision.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and other local law enforcement agencies are collaborating with King City authorities in conducting this investigation.
The arrests mark a significant milestone in the investigation, bringing hope to the families and loved ones of the victims. The community can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the perpetrators are behind bars.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The King City Police Department and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.
The community is still reeling from the shock of the mass shooting and double homicide, but the arrests bring a sense of closure and hope for a safer future.
The suspects will face arraignment and subsequent court proceedings, where they will be held accountable for their heinous crimes.
The victims’ families and loved ones can now begin the healing process, knowing that justice is being served.
