On Sunday evening March 3, 2024, what was supposed to be a festive gathering at a house party in King City, California, quickly descended into tragedy. Gunshots rang out at a residence on the 200 block of N. 2nd Street, resulting in four fatalities and seven injuries.
Unsuspecting Party Turns Deadly
According to reports from the King City Police Department, the violence erupted around 6 p.m. when a silver Kia approached the residence. Eyewitnesses described a chilling scene as three gunmen emerged from the vehicle, dressed in black outfits and wearing masks, unleashing a barrage of bullets on unsuspecting partygoers in the front yard.
Law enforcement, upon arrival at the home, discovered three men with gunshot injuries in the front yard of a home, all of whom were declared deceased on site. A woman, also suffering from gunshot wounds, was taken by an individual to Mee Memorial Hospital in King City, where she later died from her injuries.
In addition, seven others, four men and three women were injured in the shooting. Two are critically wounded, while five are dealing with injuries that are not expected to be fatal. These victims have been transported to various hospitals in Monterey County for care.
According to the police statement, “The suspects got back in their vehicle and fled the scene,” highlighting the attack’s brazenness and the urgency of the ongoing investigation. The authorities have called upon the public to provide any information that could lead to the capture of these individuals, considered armed and dangerous.
Victims Identified in Tragic King City Shooting
A relative of a victim and officials from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed the identities of four individuals who died in the shooting. The deceased are listed as Mario Guzman Mendoza, 42; Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, 32; Francisco Aldape Perez, 32; and Olivo Perez Pina, 32, all residents of King City. Ramirez’s sister Carolina, 26, was injured and reported by their mother to be in a coma.
Community Response
The shooting is still being investigated, but it may have been gang-related,” the police chief indicated, shedding light on the possible motive. The King City Police Department has been inundated with calls and tips, a testament to a community united in its resolve to find answers and hold those responsible to account.
County Supervisor Chris Lopez reached out on social media to offer prayers for the King City community amid the unfolding situation. “As details of tonight’s incident in King City emerge, let’s send prayers and positive energy to our community,” he urged. “We hope for the victims to find strength and healing, for the safety of our first responders, and for our collective effort to bring peace back to our neighborhoods.”
The incident also sparked unfounded rumors of a potential school shooting, with posts circulating online about threats to King City High School or Chalone Peaks Middle School. Several parents expressed concerns about sending their children to school the following Monday.
Addressing these concerns, King City High School officials assured parents through a letter that the school would remain open, noting, “The King City Police Department has confirmed that the victims are adults, with no connection to our schools.”
Mayor Responds to the Tragedy
“Last night’s shootings and killings represent a profound tragedy for our entire community,” King City Mayor Mike LeBarre stated in a Monday news release. “Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the loved ones of those lost to this merciless violence. While we honor the privacy of the grieving families, we want them to know that the City stands ready to offer or facilitate any necessary support and resources. I want to reassure our community that we are fully committed to deploying every resource at our disposal to apprehend these perpetrators. Furthermore, we will continue enhancing our wide range of initiatives to prevent violence.”
The Search for Answers Continues
The King City Police Department, led by Sergeant Josh Partida, has vowed to leave no stone unturned in their quest to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the King City Police Department,” a plea that echoes the collective desire for closure and healing.
The city is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension of the suspects.