Jonathan Cervantes : “3 Suspects Arrested for Soledad Double Homicide”

KING CITY — Three individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the tragic events that unfolded in King City and Soledad earlier this year, resulting in multiple fatalities. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the King City and Salinas police departments, made the announcement during a joint press conference on May 10.

Arrests Made in High-Profile Cases

Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto, alongside representatives from numerous law enforcement agencies, revealed that the arrests were related to the mass shooting in King City on March 3, which claimed the lives of four residents, as well as the double homicide near Soledad on Feb. 4, where two cousins were tragically killed. Additionally, the suspects were implicated in an armed robbery that took place in Salinas.

The suspects, identified as 18-year-old Jonathan Leal Cervantes, 32-year-old Pedro Manuel Nava, and a juvenile from Greenfield, are facing a litany of charges, including murder, criminal conspiracy, attempted murder, and weapons and gang enhancement charges. The authorities have refrained from disclosing the name of the juvenile suspect due to their age.

Details of the Tragic Incidents

The incidents in question shook the communities of King City and Soledad to their core. On Feb. 4, law enforcement responded to a distress call reporting suspects with firearms chasing an individual. This led them to a grim discovery of two victims with gunshot wounds near Soledad. Despite immediate medical attention, both victims, identified as Jack Canchola and Andres Garcia, succumbed to their injuries.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the stolen vehicle used by the suspects in the double homicide had been reported missing from the Monterey Peninsula days before the tragic event. It was concluded that the victims had no apparent involvement in criminal or gang-related activities, making the incident all the more senseless.

Less than a month later, on March 3, a group of assailants unleashed a barrage of gunfire at a birthday party in King City, leaving four dead and seven injured. Among the deceased were Alicia Ramirez Aparicio, Mario Guzman Mendoza, Francisco Aldape Perez, and Olivo Perez Pina. The suspects fled the scene in a stolen vehicle, which was later recovered in South Monterey County.

Collaborative Efforts Lead to Arrests

The arrests were made possible through the concerted efforts of various law enforcement agencies, with King City Police Chief James Hunt commending the teamwork and dedication exhibited by all involved. Acting Salinas Police Chief John Murray emphasised the pivotal role played by Detective Pete Gomez in cracking the case, which unravelled a series of events culminating in the arrests.

Monterey County District 3 Supervisor Chris Lopez and King City Mayor Mike LeBarre expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the apprehension of the suspects. They acknowledged the pain and suffering endured by the victims’ families and reiterated their commitment to seeking justice for the affected communities.

Legal Proceedings Underway

The juvenile suspect was scheduled to appear in Monterey County Juvenile Court for arraignment, while Cervantes and Nava were set to face charges in Salinas Superior Court. The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office has assumed control of the investigation, with further details being withheld to preserve the integrity of the ongoing legal proceedings.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of these tragic events, Sheriff Nieto extended her thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families, hoping for a semblance of closure and healing amidst the turmoil.