A planned celebration in King City, California, turned tragic on the evening of March 3, 2024, when a hail of gunfire claimed four lives and injured seven other people. The incident occurred on the 200 block of N. 2nd Street.
The King City Police Department’s report indicates that the violence started around 6 p.m. when a silver Kia drove up to a house party. Eyewitnesses recounted a terrifying scene: three masked men clad in black exited the vehicle and began firing indiscriminately at party attendees in the front yard.
Upon their arrival, law enforcement found three men in the front yard, all mortally wounded by gunshots. A woman, also suffering from gunshot wounds, was privately transported to Mee Memorial Hospital in King City, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Seven others, comprising four men and three women, were injured in the shooting. Two are in critical condition, while the remaining five suffered non-life-threatening injuries. All victims were rushed to different hospitals within Monterey County for treatment.
The police statement noted that the suspects quickly fled the scene in their vehicle. The public has been urged to provide any information that could assist in capturing the armed and dangerous suspects.
Relatives of a victim and Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials have identified the deceased as Mario Guzman Mendoza, 42; Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, 32; Francisco Aldape Perez, 32; and Olivo Perez Pina, 32, all from King City. Additionally, Alicia Ramirez’s sister, Carolina, 26, was injured in the shooting and is reportedly in a coma, according to their mother.
The motive of the shooting remains under investigation, with the police chief suggesting possible gang involvement. The King City Police Department has been flooded with calls and tips from a community determined to find answers and hold those accountable.
In response to the incident, County Supervisor Chris Lopez took to social media to express solidarity with the King City community. He encouraged prayers and positive energy for the victims and first responders and for efforts to restore peace in the neighborhoods.
Following the incident, rumors of a potential threat to King City High School or Chalone Peaks Middle School began circulating online, causing some parents to worry about sending their children to school. However, King City High School officials reassured parents in a letter that there was no link between the victims and the schools.
Mayor of King City, Mike LeBarre, expressed his condolences in a news release on Monday, calling the shootings and deaths a profound tragedy. He assured the community of the city’s commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice and to continue efforts to prevent violence.
The King City Police Department, led by Sergeant Josh Partida, is determined to solve the case and has appealed to the public for information. The city has offered a $20,000 reward for details leading to the arrest of the suspects.
