Man shot by Big Sur park rangers wanted for murder

It was a terrifying experience for two hikers at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Saturday. The pair dialed 911 after running four and a half miles down Mount Manuel Trail. Both escaped gunfire from 26-year-old Kevin Anthony Alaniz.

The hikers said Alaniz shot at them multiple times. One hiker described a shot flying just above his head, striking a tree. California State Park Officers were dispatched to the trail and found Alaniz.

The officers told Monterey County District Attorney, Jeannine Pacioni, that Alaniz walked towards them, drew a gun, and pointed it at them. One of the officers recalled hearing a gun shot.

Fearing for their lives, Officers Brian Powell and Supervisor Mathew Khalar shot at Alaniz 9 times. Alaniz was found dead shortly after. “Initial autopsy results reveal that Mr. Alaniz died as a result of injuries associated with rounds fired from the shotgun,” said Pacioni.

Further investigation showed that Alaniz had 300 rounds of ammunition in the backpack he brought into the park. The California Highway Patrol said they have reason to believe Saturday was not the first time Alaniz used it.

Alaniz is the prime suspect in the murder of Matthew Rios. Rios was shot dead while driving on Highway 680 in Santa Clara County near Landess.

Rios’ mother, Maddona Simmons, said the news was devastating. “Whoever is responsible for this has to pay for justice. My son is not going to rest. They have to pay the consequences,” said Simmons.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office said they will be working to determine whether the officers’ use of force was lawful.

The California State Parks Department said both Powell and Khalar have been placed on administrative leave.

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