MOSS LANDING, Calif. — The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday that an 18-year-old Greenfield man arrested last week in connection with a deadly double shooting at Moss Landing State Beach will not be charged at this time.
The suspect had been taken into custody Thursday on suspicion of involvement in the Nov. 2 shooting, which broke out during a large late-night gathering on Jetty Road. The violent confrontation left two Salinas teenagers, 15-year-old Marco Antonio Perez and 13-year-old Nathaniel Flores, dead. A third individual from Greenfield also sustained gunshot wounds but survived the encounter.
According to District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni’s office, the incident was categorized as gang-related, stemming from escalating tensions between rival factions from Salinas and Greenfield. Authorities reported that the party, which drew dozens of attendees, had been plagued by threats of violence and allegations of theft throughout the night, including claims that some partygoers were stealing jewelry from others. Officials confirmed that several necklaces were later discovered in the backpack of a person who had attended the gathering.
Despite the arrests made following the shooting, the District Attorney’s Office determined that there is insufficient evidence to move forward with formal charges against the 18-year-old suspect. Prosecutors cited a volatile scene characterized by conflicting, incomplete, and potentially biased witness statements. Because of the chaotic nature of the event, investigators stated they could not definitively disprove claims of self-defense regarding those involved in the gunfire.
“The investigation is ongoing,” the DA’s Office stated, noting that the status of the case could change should new evidence emerge.
The crime scene itself presented significant hurdles for investigators. While crime scene technicians recovered 21 bullet casings indicating that at least two firearms were discharged, police have yet to recover any weapons used in the incident. The victims were reportedly shot multiple times—seven and five times, respectively—before being pronounced dead at the scene.
The sudden turn in the legal proceedings leaves many questions surrounding the deaths of the two young victims unanswered. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office continues to process evidence and is urging the public to come forward with any details that could help clarify the events of that night.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have been present or has information regarding the shooting to contact Detective Richard Geng of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at 831-759-7279.
ABC7 Eyewitness News has not identified the 18-year-old suspect, as he has not been formally charged in court. The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to sift through the evidence collected from the beach and the surrounding area.
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