Two teenage boys, aged 13 and 15, have been identified as the victims of a shooting at a California beach that left two other people injured.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Marco Antonio Perez, 15, and Nathaniel Flores, 13. The shooting took place at Moss Landing State Beach shortly before 2am on Monday.
Both teenagers, who were from Salinas, were found suffering from gunshot wounds. Flores was only days away from his 14th birthday.
A third person was taken from the scene to a local hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. A fourth victim later arrived at a hospital with gunshot wounds.
Commander Andres Rosas told the Daily Mail that investigators had no new details to share. Authorities have not yet identified the two people who were injured.
Rosas said the department could not provide an update on their conditions because of patient privacy laws. He added that officers are only notified by the hospital if an injured person dies.
‘Fortunately, we have NOT received that type of update,’ he said.
Rosas said the investigation remains active and that officials have not yet formally classified the deaths.
Nathaniel Flores, 13, was identified as one of the victims of the shooting. His football league remembered him as a ‘son, a teammate, and a friend.’ Picture source: GoFundMe
Police responded Monday to the shooting scene along Jetty Road in Moss Landing, Monterey County
Flores played football for the Steinbeck Tigers Youth Football & Cheer organization. Picture source: GoFundMe
‘We’re not calling this a homicide. We haven’t confirmed if this is a homicide or a suicide or any other type of death. We have not made that declaration yet,’ Rosas said.
‘We are investigating the circumstances under which these individuals died as a result of gunshot wounds here at the scene.’
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Rosas told residents that investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat. Detectives are still trying to establish how the victims knew one another and determine who was responsible for the gunfire.
Mike Dipple, a state park ranger supervisor, described the shooting as ‘an isolated incident.’ He said the park would reopen once the crime scene had been cleared.
Dipple said the shooting happened after hours. The beach gate is routinely left open to accommodate early-morning surfers.
Dr Zandra Jo Galvan, superintendent of the Salinas Union High School District, confirmed that both victims were students in the district.
‘It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share that members of our district student community were among those who lost their lives in the tragic incident that occurred early Monday morning in Moss Landing,’ Galvan wrote.
Flores attended the Salinas Union High School District and played football. Picture sources: GoFundMe
State Park Ranger Supervisor Mike Dipple described the shooting as ‘an isolated incident’
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing. The two victims’ deaths have not yet been classified by police
The superintendent said the school’s hearts were with those grieving the ‘devastating loss,’ adding that emotional support services would be available for students and staff.
The Steinbeck Football & Cheer program launched a GoFundMe for Flores’ family. They shared that Flores played football and was preparing to celebrate his 14th birthday on Friday.
‘His unexpected passing has left his family, teammates, coaches, and our entire Steinbeck community heartbroken,’ the fundraiser description read.
‘Once a Tiger, always a Tiger. Rest in peace, Nathaniel “Nate” Flores,’ they added.