King City party mass shooting connected to Soledad double homicide, investigators say
(KRON) — South Monterey County investigators released new information about a horrific mass shooting that targeted a birthday party in King City, as well as a double homicide in Soledad.
On March 3, a crowd was gathered in the front yard of a home on 2nd Street in King City to celebrate a birthday party. Three masked gunmen jumped out of a car and opened fire on party-goers. Eleven people were shot, including four who died from gunshot wounds.
On February 4, two cousins were shot and killed on Los Coches Road near Soledad. Deputies described the double homicide as a case of mistaken identity. The cousins had no ties to gangs, and no criminal background.
This week, investigators said they connected the King City shooting to the Soledad shooting.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said over 50 search warrants have been served in an effort to track down the killers. On Thursday, officers served additional search warrants in Greenfield.
“There have been several ancillary arrests related to these crimes as investigators work towards solving these murders. Several persons of interest have been generated and all leads are being investigated. While we can confirm the suspects in this case have gang connections, the Sheriff’s Office cannot stress enough the innocence of all victims,” MCSO wrote.
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Witnesses helped move the investigation forward, deputies said.
“The public’s help has been instrumental in making these connections. Further details cannot be released at this time as this investigation is ongoing,” MCSO wrote.
King City officials are offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the gunmen.
Anyone with information relating to the South Monterey County killings is encouraged to call Monterey County Detective Arras Wilson at 831-759-7203, King City Sgt. J. Partida at 831-537-8415, or Detective Sergeant Nicholas Kennedy of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Unit at 831-755-3773.
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