A celebratory gathering in King City, California took a dark turn on the evening of Sunday, March 3, 2024. An unanticipated act of violence occurred at a house party on the 200 block of N. 2nd Street, culminating in four deaths and seven injuries.

As announced by the King City Police Department, the incident began around 6 p.m. when a silver Kia pulled up to the residence. Witnesses recounted a horrifying scene as three masked individuals clad in black exited the vehicle, opening fire on the unsuspecting crowd in the front yard of the house.

Upon reaching the scene, law enforcement found three men in the front yard of the house, all succumbing to gunshot wounds. A female victim, also suffering gunshot injuries, was taken to the Mee Memorial Hospital in King City by an unknown individual, where she later passed away due to her injuries.

Additionally, seven more individuals, consisting of four males and three females, were injured during the shooting. Two are in critical condition, while the remaining five are dealing with non-life-threatening injuries. These victims have been transported to various medical facilities within Monterey County for treatment.

The police report indicated that the assailants fled the scene soon after the shooting. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that can aid in apprehending the suspects, who are presumed to be armed and dangerous.

A family member of one of the victims and officials from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed the identities of the four deceased. They are Mario Guzman Mendoza, 42; Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, 32; Francisco Aldape Perez, 32; and Olivo Perez Pina, 32, all residents of King City. Carolina Ramirez, 26, the sister of Alicia Ramirez, was also injured during the incident and is currently in a coma as per their mother’s report.

While the investigation remains ongoing, the police chief suggested that the shooting might have been gang-related. The King City Police Department has been receiving an influx of calls and tips, demonstrating a community united in its quest for justice.

County Supervisor Chris Lopez took to social media to offer his prayers for the community during this challenging time. He urged unity and strength, advocating for safety for first responders, and for collective efforts to restore peace in their neighborhoods.

Rumors of a potential school shooting following the incident sparked concern among parents, with threats to King City High School or Chalone Peaks Middle School being circulated online. To quell these fears, King City High School officials reassured parents through a letter that the victims were all adults and had no connection to local schools.

King City’s Mayor, Mike LeBarre, expressed his condolences to the grieving families in a news release. He assured the community of the city’s commitment to providing necessary support and resources to the affected families, and to exert every possible effort to capture the culprits. He also emphasized the city’s continued efforts toward violence prevention initiatives.

The King City Police Department, under the leadership of Sergeant Josh Partida, remains dedicated to solving the case. The city is also offering a $20,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspects.