GANG RELATED: Monterey County mass shooting that left 4 dead @ BLACK PARTY and earlier killing of 2 MEXICAN cousins are linked, investigators say

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Monterey County mass shooting that left 4 dead and earlier killing of 2 cousins are linked, investigators say​

By Associated Press | ap@dfmdev.com
PUBLISHED: April 19, 2024 at 5:54 a.m. | UPDATED: April 19, 2024 at 6:31 a.m.

FILE – In this image from KION video, police investigate the scene of a shooting in King City, Calif., March 3, 2024. Investigators have found a connection between a mass shooting last month that left four people dead and the February killing of two cousins in central California, authorities said Thursday, April 18, 2024. (KION via AP)

GREENFIELD — Investigators have found a connection between a mass shooting last month that left four people dead and the February killing of two cousins in central California, authorities said Thursday.


Over 50 search warrants have been served as part of the investigation into the two shootings, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.


“There have been several ancillary arrests related to these crimes as investigators work towards solving these murders,” the statement said. “Several persons of interest have been generated and all leads are being investigated.”


Eleven people were shot when a group of men in masks got out of a car and opened fire at an outdoor party in King City on March 3. The suspects drove away. Four victims died.


On Feb. 4th, two cousins were shot and killed in Soledad, about 20 miles (30 km) northwest of King City in Salinas Valley farm country.


The suspects in this case have gang connections, but the victims were not affiliated with gangs, the sheriff’s office said.
 
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Investigators have found a connection between a mass shooting last month that left four people dead and the February killing of two cousins in central California, authorities said Thursday.

Three men and a woman were fatally shot and seven other individuals were wounded Sunday night at what was reported by local police to have been a birthday party in King City.


According to a press release from the King City Police Department, officers are still looking for the three unidentified individuals who were seen doing the shooting.


The police press release said that officers were dispatched to 200 block of North 2nd Street on a report of shots fired. They found three men had been fatally shot. A woman who was also shot was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.


Police determined seven others had also been wounded and were sent to county medical centers. Two are in critical condition. The other five have non-life threatening injuries.

PULL UP & MURDER
Police believe there had been a party at the residence with several people in the front yard when a silver Kia pulled up. Three males got out of the car and shot multiple rounds at the partygoers
according to police. The shooters, who were wearing dark-colored clothing and had dark-colored masks over their heads, returned to their car and fled.

Police say the shooters have not been identified and remain outstanding. King City is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals involved.

“The murders and shootings that occurred (Sunday) evening were a terrible tragedy for our entire community,” said King City Mayor Mike LeBarre in a press release. “We are heartbroken and share our deepest sympathy with the family and friends of those who were killed by this ruthless act of violence. …

“I want to assure the community that we are taking all actions and dedicating all resources in our power to bring these criminals to justice.”
 
On Feb. 4th, two cousins were shot and killed in Soledad, about 20 miles (30 km) northwest of King City in Salinas Valley farm country.

2 MEXICANS KILLED​

Chased by ‘guys with guns’: Killing of Monterey County cousins called case of mistaken identity

They went out for an evening drive, then called 911 to report they were being pursued​

By Kyarra Harris | kharris@montereyherald.com
PUBLISHED: February 23, 2024 at 8:51 a.m. | UPDATED: February 23, 2024 at 8:57 a.m.

The fatal shooting of two young men in farmland near Soledad was a likely case of mistaken identity, the Monterey County sheriff’s office.

“Nothing in their background or history indicates that they had a criminal background or any kind of gang relation. It’s very tragic that citizens of the county, out driving around, were hunted down, shot and killed,” Michael Darlington, commander of the sheriff’s investigative unit, said at a press conference Thursday.



Jack Canchola, 20, and Andres Garcia, 26, were cousins, and had been at a family gathering on the evening of Feb. 4, a Sunday. They left to go for a drive together.


“The family mentioned Jack was high-functioning autistic and sometimes started to feel stressed or overwhelmed if he was in a large crowd of people,” said Detective Arras Wilson, the lead investigator on the case. “He simply wanted a breath of fresh air, so he and Andres went to a scenic spot he always enjoyed.”


Around 7 p.m., one of the young men called 911 to report they were being chased by “guys with guns” on Los Coches Road west of Greenfield.


When California Highway Patrol officers arrived at the scene, they found two cars 50 to 100 yards off the road: the victims’ pickup and a silver 2013 Kia Optima. The Kia had been abandoned. Near the pickup, both cousins were found unresponsive with gunshot wounds. They died at the scene.


Investigators think that Canchola and Garcia, trying to escape their pursuers, missed a turn in the road and drove into the field.


There has been no information provided about the suspects, but investigators say they are looking for at least two people.


“Somebody knows something, and we are asking for your help with that information. The smallest details you may have or something you think isn’t important may be the key,” said Commander Andres Rosas.


A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of suspects.


Garcia and Canchola’s older brothers, Miguel Garcia and Jesus Canchola, spoke Thursday about their brothers’ character and what they meant to the community. Both Canchola and Garcia were active in their church and practiced Aztec dancing together.


“My brother was a person that was very kind to the community,” said Miguel Garcia. “He had a job to do at the church and served every weekend to help the priests. I never imagined how painful this situation could be.”


Jesus Canchola said he grew up with his cousin and brother and expressed the pain both families are going through.


“They were two great people. We always had a great laugh together. They were both hard workers. Me and Jack worked together, so we would drive in the morning and back home every day,” Jesus Canchola said. “It’s just really painful to drive to work now, having nobody to listen to music with.”


The sheriff’s office received a private donation to fund the reward. Law enforcement authorities asked the public to share any information by calling the main office at (831) 755-3700 or visiting montereycountysheriff.org to submit a tip, which can be anonymous.
 
opened fire at an outdoor party in King City on March 3
BLACK PARTY

‘Masked men’ kill four and injure three others in mass shooting at California house party

Amelia Neath
4 March 2024·2-min read
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Four people have been killed after a group of masked gunmen opened fire outside a house party in King City, California, according to authorities.

The King City Police Department said in a statement on Monday that it received a report of shots fired at the 200 block of North 2nd Street at around 6pm on Sunday.

When officers arrived, they found three males with gunshot wounds in the front yard of the residence. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Four other people had also suffered gunshot wounds. One of them, a female adult, was transported by another person to the Mee Memorial Hospital, where she was also pronounced dead.

The other three injured victims, all males, were taken to Natividad Hospital in Salinas for medical treatment.

Police said that there was a party happening at the residence at the time of the shooting, with several people in the front yard.

The suspects have yet to be identified (KSBW Action News 8)

The suspects have yet to be identified (KSBW Action News 8)
A Silver Kia had pulled up in front of the house, and three men got out of the vehicle and shot multiple rounds at the partygoers in the front yard, police said.

The suspects, who were wearing dark-coloured masks and dark-coloured clothing, returned to the vehicle and then fled the scene.
 
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