Monterey County Sheriff’s Office: King City mass shooting, February double-murder investigations are connected

MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE ON APRIL 18, 2024 AT 4:22 PM- The Monterey County Sheriff's Office confirmed that they have connected the investigations between the double-murder Soledad shooting and the King City mass shooting.

Deputies announced that over 50 search warrants have been served as part of both investigations.

Thee Monterey County Sheriff's Office confirmed that several search warrants were served on Thursday morning on the 200 block of Sixth Street and the 3000 block of 11th Street in Greenfield.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said that there have been several ancillary arrests related to both cases and several people of interest have been generated.

Deputies confirmed the suspects in the case have local gang connections.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said that they are not releasing further details at this time.

Investigators have been looking for suspects in both shootings.

On Feb. 4, 2024, two cousins were shot and killed during a shooting that took place on Los Coches Road just outside of Greenfield.

Deputies identified the victims as 20-year-old Jack Canchola and his cousin 26-year-old Andres "Chavita" Garcia.

On March 3, 2024, four people were killed during a birthday party on the 200 block of Second Street in King City.

The four people killed in that shooting was identified as  32-year-old Alicia Aparicio, 32-year-old Francisco Aldape, 32-year-old Olivo Piña and 42-year-old Mario Guzman.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact the Monterey County Sheriff's Office or the King City Police Department.

Reward increases to $25,000 for info on King City shooting

UPDATE ON APRIL 11, 2024 AT 11:21 AM- A neighboring South Monterey County city is looking to help locate three suspects who killed four people at a birthday party in King City.

On Tuesday night, The Greenfield City Council unanimously approved to add $5,000 to the reward money that was posted by King City Police in March which was initially $20,000.

Greenfield Mayor Bob White told KION that it was important to approve this decision to keep all of South Monterey County safe.

At least seven people were injured during the shooting on March 4.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office has also added a $10,000 reward for the deadly shooting that killed 20-year-old Jack Canchola and his cousin 26-year-old Andres "Chavita" Garcia on Feb. 21. Deputies believe that shooting was a case of mistaken identity.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office still looking for suspects involved in King City shooting

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -UPDATE ON APRIL 3, 2024 AT 10:00 AM- Wednesday marked a month since four people were killed in a shooting that took place at a birthday party in King City.

Families still coping with the loss of their loved ones.

"He come knocking at the door and telling me let me in, I wanted him home," Emily Guzman who lost her dad in the shooting said on March 4.

Four people died and seven people were injured in the shooting. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto shared an update on the investigation to KION.

"What I can tell the public as we develop some strong leads into solving this for our communities," Nieto said. "But it is an active investigation."

On March 6, the stolen Kia that were used by the suspects was recovered. Nieto said that those items in the car have been sent for analysis.

"We process all items in it for DNA," Nieto said. "We're working with the DOJ, Department of Justice, who have been great partners with us to process all that DNA evidence in order to identify possible suspects.

Multiple state and local agencies are assisting in the investigation.

"This case in King City, we have a joint task force to work on these issues which are continuing today," Nieto said. "So what I can tell you is that we're sharing information."

Nieto said that some of the people that were injured in the shooting have been released from the local hospitals.

"What I can say is that my prayers and the prayers of those in our agency are there with you," Nieto said. "We are not giving up until we bring these families some sense of justice."

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said that a $20,000 reward is still on the table for any information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office processing DNA evidence from stolen car used in the King City shooting

UPDATE ON MARCH 14, 2024 11:00 A.M. - Investigators still searching for the suspects who shot 11 people killing four at a house party.

More than 10 days later, people in King City are asking the same questions. Why did it happen and who is responsible?

"I want justice for my daughter," said Felipa Ramirez, mother of one of the victims killed.

Investigators are looking for multiple shooters. On March 6th a stolen Kia out of Pacific Grove was recovered.

Although they would not say what kind of evidence was found inside, multiple items have been sent for analysis.

"The downside to this is processing evidence for DNA and fingerprints. We can collect it, but then we have to send it out to get analyzed, and that can take some time," said Monterey County Sheriff's Office Commander Andres Rosas,

The Sheriff's Office says the evidence is being prioritized but it could still take months.

KION asked about the nature of the shooting

"We have received information that, some of the people that were involved have, a gang history," said Rosas. "The King City Police Department has reached out to neighboring agencies, including the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, for assistance in trying to restore that sense of comfort, and peace in their communities."

The Sheriff's Office told KION they are confident they will put handcuffs on the people responsible sooner or later.

One of the families told KION that two people who were in critical condition are slowly recovering and are still in the hospital. Another family member is at Bay Area hospital in stable condition.

The $20,000 reward is still on the table for any information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office has located the stolen KIA used by suspects in the King City shooting

KING CITY, Calif. (KION-TV)- UPDATE ON MARCH 6, 2024 AT 1:33 PM- The Monterey County Sheriff's Office announced that they have located the stolen 2017 Kia Rio that was used by the King City shooting suspects.

Deputies said they located the Kia that was used in the shooting was located in unincorporated South Monterey County.

Monterey County Sheriff's Office said that no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time.

Police release photo of stolen KIA used by suspects in the King City shooting

UPDATE ON MARCH 5, 2024 AT 4:44 PM- King City Police and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office released a photo of the new details on the shooting that killed four people and injured seven others on Sunday night.

Investigators released a still photo of a silver 2017 Kia Rio with the license plate 7ZND369 that the three suspects were in the night of the shooting.

According to deputies, the vehicle was reported stolen out of Pacific Grove in late February.

Police said the car entered in and out of Canal Street before the car opened fire on the crowd on Sunday night.

The Sheriff's Office also revealed that all three suspects in this case shot at the crowd during a birthday celebration on the 200 block of North Second Street.

King City Police are offering a $20,000 reward to locate the three suspects involved in mass shooting, three of the four victims identified

The King City Police Department said they are offering a $20,000 reward for the three suspects who shot and killed four people on Sunday night.

Family members and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office identified three of those victims who were killed in the shooting as 32-year-old Alicia Ramirez Aparicio of King City, 42-year-old Mario Guzman Mendoza of King City, 32-year-old Olivo Perez Pina of King City.

Family members told KION and identified the fourth victim as Francisco Aldape who is the brother-in-law of Alicia Ramirez Aparicio.

Family members said that Aparicio would have turned 33 years old on Wednesday.

READ MORE: Family members identify third victim in King City Shooting

King City Police Chief James Hunt said that seven people were injured in the shooting that took place at a birthday party on the 200 block of North Second Street.

According to investigators, two people are still in critical condition and five of those people suffered non-life threatening injuries.

"The investigation's early," said Hunt. "I don't know if this was a targeted attack or a random attack."

King City police are patrolling schools in the aftermath of the shooting.

"This creates quite a bit of, disruption in the the lives of everyday citizens and, the kids going to and from school. There's a level of fear which we understand. And our goal was to try to be as supportive of that community as we could be," said Hunt.

King City Mayor Mike LeBarre said in a statement that they are using all their resources to try and locate the three men.

“The murders and shootings that occurred yesterday evening were a terrible tragedy for our entire community. We are heartbroken and share our deepest sympathy with the family and friends of those who were killed by this ruthless act of violence."

King City Mayor Mike LeBarre said in a statement

Hunt said they are looking for three men who were wearing dark colored clothing and dark colored masks at the time of the shooting. Hunt said the suspects got out of the car and started shooting at multiple suspects.

The suspects left in a silver KIA at the time of the shooting.

4 people killed, seven people injured in King City mass shooting

At least four people were killed and seven people were injured following a shooting in King City Sunday night.

Officials say they received a report of shots fired around 6 p.m. on the 200 block on North Second Street in King City.

Upon arrival, police found three adult men with gunshot wounds in the front yard of a home. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

King City Police confirmed to KION one woman was transported by another person to Mee Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.

Officials add, seven more victims are being treated for gunshot wounds. They were transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas for further care.

The investigation revealed there was a party in front of the house with several people. A silver Kia reportedly pulled up to the front yard. Police say three men exited the car and shot multiple rounds at the party goers.

According to investigators, the suspects got back in the car and fled the scene. The suspects were reportedly were wearing dark colored clothing and had dark colored masks over their heads.

The suspects are considered armed and dangerous and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with additional information regarding this case is encouraged to contact King City Police Department Sergeant Josh Partida at 831-386-5988 or jpartida@kingcity.com; or the WeTip line at 1-800-78-CRIME.

This is a developing story and will be updated as soon as new information is available.