Jonathan Leal Cervantes, Pedro Manuel Nava and a juvenile suspect arrested for King City mass shooting

On Friday morning, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office convened a media conference to announce the apprehension of three individuals sought in connection with the King City mass shooting and a double homicide that claimed the lives of two cousins in South Monterey County in early February.

The arrested individuals are Jonathan Leal Cervantes, aged 18, Pedro Manuel Nava, aged 32, and a juvenile suspect, all hailing from Greenfield.

They are each charged with six counts of homicide, seven counts of attempted homicide, an armed robbery offense from Salinas, and additional gang-related enhancements.

The tragic incident of the King City mass shooting, which occurred on March 3, 2024, resulted in 11 individuals being shot, with four fatalities, during a birthday celebration outside a residence on North 2nd Street in King City.

Additionally, in early February 2024, two cousins lost their lives by the Salinas River at 41000 Los Coches Road. The two adult suspects are scheduled to appear for arraignment on Friday in a Salinas courtroom.

Following a mass shooting at a gathering outside a residence on North 2nd Street in King City on March 3, 2024, eleven individuals were shot, resulting in four fatalities.

Investigators have refrained from disclosing the type of firearms used or the number of rounds fired. According to the King City Police, three masked assailants clad in dark attire emerged from a stolen silver KIA and commenced firing. Subsequently, they fled the scene and abandoned the stolen vehicle in a vineyard on Apple Street outside of Greenfield.

The vehicle was located three days later. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and other local law enforcement agencies are collaborating with King City authorities in conducting this investigation.

The victims killed were identified as:

• Mario Guzman Mendoza, 42, of King City
• Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, 32, of King City
• Francisco Aldape Perez, 32, of King City
• Olivo Perez Pina, 32, of King City

In early February 2024, at approximately 6:45 p.m., tragedy struck when two cousins lost their lives near the Salinas River at 41000 Los Coches Road. According to an investigator, the cousins encountered at least two assailants at the location.

Subsequently, they attempted to flee in their pickup truck, but were pursued by the suspects. A fatal collision occurred involving both vehicles, resulting in the demise of the cousins.

The victims, identified as Andres “Chavita” Garcia, 26, and Jack Canchola, 20, both residents of Soledad, were confirmed by deputies to have no affiliation with any gangs.

The Victims:

Cousins Fatally Shot in South Monterey County in a Case of Mistaken Identity, Deputies Reveal