In the community of South Monterey County, California, two cousins were tragically murdered in what authorities have described as a case of mistaken identity. The victims were Andres “Chavita” Garcia, 26, and Jack Canchola, 20, both residents of Soledad, California.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reported that on the night of February 4, 2024, Garcia and Canchola took a drive near the Salinas River after a family gathering. Their pleasant drive took a terrifying turn when they were chased and subsequently murdered in a gruesome execution-style incident.

The ordeal started around 6:45 p.m. near Greenfield, California. The cousins dialed 911 after realizing they were being pursued by at least two individuals in a light-colored vehicle. They tried to escape, but the assailants continued their pursuit in a four-door sedan, reported stolen from the Monterey Peninsula.

In a desperate attempt to evade their attackers, the cousins crashed into a vineyard. They were found dead next to their pickup truck, having succumbed to gunshot wounds. A deserted Kia Optima was discovered nearby.

Through their investigations, the Sheriff’s Office has suggested that Garcia and Canchola were not the intended victims of this horrific crime.

There is no evidence to indicate that Garcia and Canchola were involved in any criminal activities or gang affiliations, according to the Sheriff’s Office. This has led to the conjecture that the unfortunate incident was a case of mistaken identity, though the actual targets remain unknown.

To capture the perpetrators, the Sheriff’s Office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

The incident has prompted a thorough investigation, with officials urging the public to provide any information on sightings of the suspect vehicle in the weeks leading up to the murder. The two young men were known for their hard work and peaceful nature. Garcia helped the priest every week in church and always made donations, according to his brother, Miguel.

At this time, no suspects have been arrested, and the motives behind this appalling act are still unknown. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is especially interested in any information related to the light-colored Kia Optima, believed to be involved in the incident, and its occupants who are suspected to have local ties to the area.