MOSS LANDING, California. —
Two people were killed and two others injured early Monday morning in a shooting at Moss Landing State Beach, near the end of Jetty Road.
The incident occurred shortly after 2 a.m., prompting a response from the California Highway Patrol, sheriff’s deputies and park rangers.
“Upon arrival, they were able to locate two victims. Tragically, both of those victims were pronounced deceased here at the scene,” said Monterey County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Andres Rosas.
Another victim arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound, but his condition is unknown. A fourth victim was transported from the scene by ambulance. His injuries are not life-threatening.
Investigators have not yet classified the deaths or determined a motive for the shooting.
“We are not calling this a homicide. We have not confirmed whether it is a homicide, a suicide or any other type of death. We have not made that statement yet,” Rosas said. “We are investigating the circumstances in which these individuals died from gunshot wounds here on scene.”
A teenager who went to the beach Monday afternoon to retrieve his cellphone said there had been a pop-up party with no more than 30 attendees when gunfire erupted, causing everyone to scatter.
No arrests have been made and authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding Moss Landing community.
“At this time, we do not believe that anyone is connected to this, is connected to this, is still in this immediate area or that there has ever been a threat to the surrounding community of Moss Landing,” Rosas said.
The shooting took place in an area popular with bird watchers, beachgoers and nature lovers. State park rangers plan to increase patrols in the area.
“We believe this is an isolated incident from the incident that we are investigating. And as soon as the crime scene here is revealed and the area is deemed safe and free of investigation, we will reopen,” said State Park Ranger Supervisor Joe Dipple.
Jetty Road reopened around 3 p.m. Monday. Investigators have not released the gender or names of those killed or injured.
This story remains developing as authorities continue to investigate.
In a letter to district families, Salinas Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Zandra Jo Galvan wrote:
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we inform you that members of our district’s student community are among those who lost their lives in the tragic incident that occurred early Monday morning in Moss Landing.
“Our thoughts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates and all those whose lives have been touched by this devastating loss. We offer our deepest condolences to the families as they go through an unimaginable time of grief.
“As our school community grieves, we want our students and their families to know that they are not alone. The district is working closely with affected site leaders and remains committed to providing the resources and support necessary to meet the needs of our school community during this difficult time. Counseling and emotional support staff will be available to students and staff, and we encourage families to contact the school if additional support is needed.
“We also ask our community to respect the privacy of families during this incredibly difficult time and to be mindful of the impact that speculation or sharing unconfirmed information can have on those who are grieving.
“In times of loss, the strength of our school community lies in our compassion and care for one another. We ask that you keep the families and all those affected in your thoughts as we come together to support each other through this tragedy.
“Here are resources to help people through this difficult time: https://bit.ly/SUHSD11126
State Senator John Laird released a statement regarding the shooting:
“Over the weekend, there were numerous reports of gunshot deaths across the country. This unspeakable horror also hit the Central Coast, with reports of several deaths just after midnight today in Moss Landing. The pain and suffering of everyone affected is impossible to measure, and my heart goes out to everyone. Thank you to the Monterey County Sheriff and his team for their handling of this devastating situation. If Team Laird can be of assistance, please contact my Monterey County office at (831) 657-6315.
Assemblymember Dawn Addis also released a statement:
“My heart goes out to those affected by this heinous violence. We must continue to work to end gun violence, and I am committed to doing so. As the family and our community mourn, I thank the Monterey County Sheriff and all those who responded during this difficult time. Our team has been in contact with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and is here to help.”
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