Salinas Teens Identified as Victims in Moss Landing State Beach Shooting
Two young teen boys found dead following an early-morning shooting at Moss Landing State Beach have been identified as 13-year-old Nathaniel Flores and 15-year-old Marco Antonio Perez, both residents of Salinas, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. KGO-TV reported that the violent incident occurred just off Highway 1 before 2 a.m. Monday, leaving two other individuals injured alongside the two fatalities.
The Salinas Union High School District confirmed that both Flores and Perez were enrolled as students within the district. In a statement released Monday night, the district superintendent expressed profound grief over the loss of community members and extended condolences to the affected families as they cope with the aftermath of the tragedy.
Beach Parties Persist Past Sunset Hours
Aerial footage captured by SKY7 showed evidence markers, a cooler, scattered cans, and red drinking cups lining Jetty Road near the beach access point where the shooting took place. Authorities indicated that gatherings and parties frequently occur at the location despite official operating hours.
“We do have people that come together and have parties at this beach; it closes at sunset. So these people were here after hours,” Chief Park Ranger Mike Dippel with California State Parks said during a briefing on Monday, as reported by KGO-TV.
No arrests have been announced in connection with the case. In response to the incident, California State Parks rangers stated plans to ramp up patrols in the area while the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office continues its active homicide investigation.
Unanswered Questions in the Investigation
Law enforcement officials have not yet released the identities or conditions of the two other individuals who sustained injuries during the Monday morning shooting. Investigators have also not disclosed a potential motive or details regarding suspects involved in the incident.
More on Moss Landing State Beach
A 13-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy from Salinas have been identified as the two people who were killed in a shooting at Moss Landing State Beach, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office says. For more information, click the link below. https://t.co/U9ktfWFqF4 pic.twitter.com/A2A3YcNbW9
A 13-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy from Salinas have been identified as the two people who were killed in a shooting at Moss Landing State Beach, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office says. https://t.co/IPeHdzAUrq
Two young teen boys from Salinas have been identified as the two killed in a shooting at Moss Landing State Beach in Monterey County. https://t.co/J48w3zR5BT
