On the evening of March 3, 2024, a birthday celebration in King City, California, turned tragic when masked gunmen opened fire on attendees gathered in the front yard of a residence on the 200 block of North Second Street. Among the four fatalities was 32-year-old Francisco Aldape, a resident of King City. The other victims were identified as Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, also 32 and the birthday celebrant; Mario Guzman Mendoza, 42; and Olivo Perez Pina, 32.
Additionally, seven others sustained injuries during the attack, with two reported in critical condition.
In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement agencies launched an intensive investigation to apprehend the perpetrators. By May 10, 2024, authorities announced the arrests of three suspects in connection with the mass shooting. The individuals taken into custody were 18-year-old Jonathan Leal Cervantes, 32-year-old Pedro Manuel Nava, and a juvenile, all hailing from Greenfield, California. Each faced multiple charges, including four counts of murder, four counts of criminal conspiracy to commit murder, seven counts of attempted murder, and additional weapons and gang enhancement charges. These suspects were also linked to a double homicide near Soledad on February 4, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of cousins Andres Garcia and Jack Canchola.
The arrests were the culmination of collaborative efforts among nearly 30 local, regional, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto expressed hope that these developments would restore a sense of security to the communities of King City and South Monterey County. King City Police Chief James Hunt highlighted the unprecedented teamwork that led to the apprehension of the suspects, describing the acts as "evil and senseless." The investigation remains ongoing, with the Monterey County District Attorney's Office overseeing the legal proceedings to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
