Press Conference: King City Mass Shooting
DATE/TIME: 05/10/24 at 1100 hours
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, King City Police Department, Salinas Police Department Hold Joint Press Conference To Announce Arrests Made In King City Mass Shooting, South Monterey County Double Homicide, and Salinas Armed Robbery
LOCATION: 1414 Natividad Road, Salinas, CA, 93906
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
On Friday May 10th, 2024, at 9:00 AM, 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 3rd, 2024 that left four people dead and the South Monterey County double homicide that occurred on February 4th, 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 February 4th, 2024, 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 3rd, 2024, in which 11 persons were shot, 4 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 4 counts of murder, 4 counts of criminal conspiracy to commit murder, 7 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.
Sheriff Tina Nieto added, “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. 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.”
King City Police Chief James Hunt stated, “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.”
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 AM on Friday May 10th, 2024. Nava and Cervantes were scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30 PM in Salinas Superior Court on Friday May 10th.
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.
