For the past three months, residents of King City and the broader South County community have mourned the killings of six people. Now, law enforcement agencies hope they can find some peace.
Three Greenfield residents were arrested for the murders, Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto and numerous other law enforcement representatives announced during a press conference in Salinas on Friday, May 10.
Jonathan Leal Cervantes, 18, Pedro Manuel Nava, 32, and a Greenfield juvenile were arrested and charged with four counts of murder, four counts of criminal conspiracy to commit murder, seven counts of attempted murder, and other weapons and gang enhancement charges.
The trio also face two counts of murder for the Feb. 4 double homicide in the unincorporated area of Soledad, as well as armed robbery from a sporting goods store in Salinas in February.
All three were arraigned in court on Friday.
Nieto said during the press conference that more than 20 regional, state and federal agencies worked together on the investigation, which included serving more than 80 search warrants and following up on nearly 300 investigative leads.
“I cannot tell you how honored I am of the men and women who have come together for countless hours to allow us to make this announcement today,” she said. “It is our hope this announcement can help restore a sense of security for the community of King City and South Monterey County.
“It is our hope these individuals will be brought to justice in honor of your loved ones, and that maybe a little peace and serenity can be restored to your family.”
King City Police Chief James Hunt said it became clear early on in the investigation that the March 3 shooting at a birthday party in King City, which also left seven others injured, was related to other recent crimes in the county, specifically the double homicide of cousins Andres Garcia and Jack Canchola in Soledad two weeks prior.
Interim Salinas Police Chief John Murray said the forensic work of SPD Detective Pete Gomez in investigating the earlier robbery proved critical.
“His work with the initial robbery tipped the first domino that led to the cascade of events that brought us here today,” Murray said.
According to law enforcement, three men wearing dark-colored masks and clothes arrived in a 2017 silver Kia and interrupted a party on the 200 block of N. 2nd Street, King City, on Sunday, March 3. The men opened fire, striking 11 people. The four people who were killed were Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, 32; Mario Guzman Mendoza, 42; Francisco Aldape Perez, 32; and Olivo Perez Piña, 32.
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez, whose district includes South County, said he’s heard from many people who are concerned for their safety in public and at events such as the upcoming Salinas Valley Fair. He said that “there is no question” that law enforcement will have a large presence at the fair, and stressed to the public that fear should not be “part of the conversation.”
“I show up with my kids everywhere to show them that it’s safe to be out,” Lopez said.
King City Mayor Mike LeBarre said the tragedy “rocked our community,” but added he was amazed by the many different law enforcement agencies coming together to catch the perpetrators, as well as the overall community showing its support for the victims.
“I am extremely thankful for everyone standing behind us, including Sheriff Nieto, for keeping it all together for us to find these animals and bring them to justice,” he said.
The case has been handed over to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.