Please enter valid email address to continue. Prosecutors will determine charges after the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office submits the case later on Tuesday. Williams says he does, however, feel more safe knowing that suspect was arrested. Feb 12, 2023 8:40pm; In Half Moon . The suspect is being held on no bail following an arraignment on Wednesday. HALF MOON BAY The shooting massacres at two coastal mushroom farms earlier this week were apparently fueled by the suspected gunman's mounting frustrations with his job conditions and. The surviving victim was identified in charging documents as Pedro Romero Perez. SHARE. Zhao worked at one of the shooting locations, Mountain Mushroom Farm, but it's unclear what connection he may have had with the victims beyond being co-workers, authorities said. An eagle-eyed deputy spotted Zhao inside his SUV and realized its license plate matched the suspects plate. HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) A farmworker accused of killing seven people in back-to-back shootings at two Northern California mushroom farms was charged Wednesday with seven counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Sheriff: Half Moon Bay shootings suspect 'believed' to work with victims. Half Moon Bay mass shooting suspect appears in court. Chunli Zhao is accused of killing four people at a mushroom farm and three others at a site about two miles away. 66-year-old Qizhong Cheng - and 64-year old Jingzhi Lu of Half Moon Bay Prosecutors charged Zhao with seven counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. Feb 27, 2023. The San Mateo County coroner's office identified the victims as Qizhong Cheng, 66, of Half Moon Bay; Yetao Bing, 43, whose residence was unknown; Jingzhi Lu, 64, of Half Moon Bay; Marciano Martinez Jimenez, 50, of Moss Beach; Zhishen Liu, 73, of San Francisco; and Aixiang Zhang, 74, of San Francisco. Now more than ever it's important for the community to come together and be there for one another.". The Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco on Tuesday confirmed that two of the people killed were Mexican nationals, as is the man hospitalized at Stanford. People have stopped to pray, or just take a few quiet moments to reflect on the events of the past few days. Copyright 2023 TheAssociated Press. Sneak peek of the Examiner real estate section. It was a very hectic scene. He says the community still hasn't recovered from the aftermath of the rain and flooding. Letters: Worksite racism | Exacerbating problems | Cancer research | Plant-based diet | Back health The majority of farmworkers in the area are Latinos but the Mountain Mushroom Farm was one of the few that employed Asian workers, said Belinda Hernandez, executive director of ALAS, a farmworker advocacy group based in Half Moon Bay. Wagstaffe said they have a "feeling on a motive" but are not sharing that at this time. Zhao, communicating through a Mandarin interpreter, confirmed his name and San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Susan Jakubowski appointed attorney Jonathan D. McDougallto represent him. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? Outpouring of grief for farmworkers slain in Half Moon Bay mass shooting. A subsequent Bay Area News Group investigation found that laws meant to ensure livable farmworker housing often went unenforced in San Mateo County, allowing farm owners to neglect their struggling workforce, including the shooter and his victims. Ortega told the local newspaper group she was cooking at her Moss Beach home when a friend called telling her that Martinez Jimenez had been killed. Gavin Newsom tweeted on Monday that he was meeting with victims of the Monterey Park shooting, which occurred in an Asian-American enclave, when he was "pulled away to be briefed" about Half Moon Bay. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group via AP, Pool), Researcher Begins 100-Day Stay at Florida Underwater Hotel, Sheriff: Florida Man Fatally Shot Teenage Daughter, 3 Others, California Bill Would Help Protect Nannies, House Cleaners. County and state officials have described the workers dwellings at California Terra Garden as deplorable, with families living in shacks with leaky roofs and no running water or kitchens. EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch moment police arrest suspect in deadly Half Moon Bay shootings. The first three victims Zhao allegedly killed were his supervisor and the spouses of two of his coworkers, Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News. My gratitude to the San Mateo Sheriff's Office who took the suspect into custody and are working the two scenes of the murders. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe told reporters outside the courthouse Wednesday that prosecutors requested no bail because Zhao is not a U.S. citizen and has "plenty of reason to run.". Half Moon Bay suspect 'snapped' before shooting co-workers, sheriff says Chunli Zhao, 66, is being held in the killings of seven people, some of whom once worked alongside him in Half Moon Bay, a coastal community south of San Francisco. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "The Mountain Mushroom Farm, the first location, was where the suspect was employed.". Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. As for the shooting investigation, there were several new pieces of information passed along. A farmworker accused of killing seven people in shootings at two Northern California mushroom farms has been charged with seven counts of murder Carlos Martinez-Maya spoke with us at around 5 p.m. Monday, about his uncle who was working at the mushroom farm along Cabrillo Highway. ABC News' Alex Stone contributed to this report. Gov. California Gov. A fifth victim, also suffering from gunshot wounds, was transported to Stanford Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Bay Area News Group) Show Caption The deadliest mass murder in San Mateo County history unfolded at two Chinese-owned mushroom farms - California Terra Garden tucked off Highway . Deputies found four victims deceased with gunshot wounds. Updated on: January 25, 2023 / 10:30 PM Letters: County oversight | Compensate farmworkers | Affordable housing | Gun rights | Silencing greatness | Fossil fuel alternatives The alleged gunman in the Half Moon Bay, California, mass shooting, Chunli Zhao, is apprehended Monday. Crime and Public Safety | Wagstaffe said the charges will "obviously" involve the seven homicides. With no past knowledge with this gunman or his motives, we are shook and very eager to gain more information from the authorities and their investigations. In 2021, only . Its sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean make it a popular spot for hikers and tourists, who flock there to surf and for an annual giant pumpkin festival. Our deepest sympathies are with the families and individuals who have been devastated by this horrendous act. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen. Half Moon Bay, California Authorities on Wednesday identified those killed in the Half Moon Bay shooting as: Yetao Bing, 43, Qizhong Cheng, 66, Marciano Martinez Jimenez, 50, Aixiang. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. HALF MOON BAY, Calif. One day after meeting with victims' families mourning a shooting rampage in Southern California, Gov. Hershon worked for the Half Moon Bay Review for. After mass shooting, new Bay Area task force to crack down on unpermitted farmworker housing The PCJU's creation is part of a growing effort among U.S. prosecutorial offices in establishing and operating specialized units, Investigators tracked the suspect vehicle to a home near the scene of the crash and identified the woman as the driver, The assault occurredin the 200 block of Grand Avenue, near the northern edge of Lake Merritt, according to Oakland police, The woman was struck near Cataldi Park and was taken to a hospital with major injuries, A member of the SJPD's MERGE unit was shot as authorities approached the suspect's residence in the 800 block of Sinbad Avenue, the department reported, The man is suspected of walking into the Schneerson Center on Balboa Street, which holds religious services and classes along with community activities, shortly before. "He was a human being with a big heart. San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News that his office argued that Zhao continues to pose a threat to public safety and because he is not a US citizen, "he has plenty motive for flight.". Contact Stephanie K. Baer at stephanie.baer@buzzfeed.com. A lot of ranch workers and their families have been displaced since the farms where they work are now crime scenes. The brothers had been recently thinking about leaving the area, Juarez Perez said, after having trouble making their plans for their families a reality. ", Volunteers help families displaced by HMB shootings. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre tweeted that President Biden has been briefed on the shootings, and that he has asked federal law enforcement to provide any necessary assistance to the local authorities. "Half Moon Bay is a beloved and tight-knit community, and we all stand with them and the families of the victims during this dark hour.". Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 09:40 PM EST. Chilling new details emerged surrounding the killing of the seven farmworkers fatally shot by a fellow employee. According to a fundraising page set up by his brother, Jimenez had lived in Half Moon Bay for 25 years and worked at Concord Farms, the second farm targeted in the mass shooting. Sat, 2023-02-25 22:41 RIYADH: Eastern Province Municipality has offered investment opportunities on projects covering more than 3 million square meters in Half Moon Bay. Tragedy upon tragedy," Newsom tweeted. Appearing behind a glass pane in the courtroom and wearing a red jail jumpsuit with his head bowed, Zhao was far less demonstrative than at his last hearing. Just hours after the Half Moon Bay shooting,multiple people were shot and one person was killed in Oaklandduring a music video shoot at a gas station near Mills College. The outlets, citing court documents, reported that Zhao attempted to strangle the roommate with a pillow. This story has been corrected to say six people, not eight people, were killed in Californias Central Valley on Jan. 16. San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said at a news . Five of the victims were Chinese citizens, the Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco said Thursday. Updated: 9:27 AM PST January 24, 2023. And it kinda sucks that we can't even be safe at our jobs anymore," said Half Moon Bay resident Susy Gutierrez, who stopped by with flowers. Receive occasional local offers from our website and its advertisers. Lopez brought his family to the shelter to meet the victim's family. A "disgruntled" mushroom farm worker, 67, has been arrested for killing seven co-workers in a mass shooting in Half Moon Bay leaving California reeling from . Then came the Monday's mass shooting in their city. More than 60 people have been killed. "The farm workers on the coast have a rough life as it is, and this is just terrible.". NBC Bay Area cited police sources with direct knowledge of the investigation to report that Zhao had told investigators that he had been disrespected by co-workers in the years leading up to the shootings. The shooting took place in the San Francisco Bay area earlier this week. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Zhao worked at Mountain Mushroom Farm, one of two agricultural businesses where workers were killed on Monday afternoon, authorities said. She is another local resident who came to the shelter to help out the families. Marciano was also a volunteer at RotaClinic. Bay Area News Group) Show Caption The deadliest mass murder in San Mateo County history unfolded at two Chinese-owned mushroom farms - California Terra Garden tucked off Highway . All of this while most of society is walking down the train tracks deaf and blind to the toxic . Detectives from the Vacaville Police Department on Wednesday arrested two men, including one from Pacifica, in connection with a 2022 murder in the East Bay. The charges allow for life without parole or death if convicted, but Wagstaffe said a decision on the death penalty has not been made. He had legal paperwork to live in the country at one time and investigators were determining whether it was still valid, Wagstaffe said. The charges against Zhao include additional allegations that could result in the death penalty or life in prison without parole, though Gov. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. In a phone call from the San Mateo County Jail to an NBC Bay Area reporter, Zhao admitted to the killings and expressed remorse for the bloodshed. Wagstaffe said his office is now diving into the suspect's past, including a 2013 civil case in which a coworker asked for a restraining order - accusing Zhao of trying to suffocate him with a pillow and threatening him with a knife. He later died by suicide. He is set to be arraigned on Feb. 16. Officials discussing the investigation mentioned a possible gang link to the killings. Sheriff Corpus said the victims were Asian and Latin migrant farm workers. The office was withholding the name of the seventh victim pending next of kin notification; however, charging documents identified him as Jose Romero Perez. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. It comes after the municipality took part in the Municipal Investment Forum, where lar "I walked into my boss' office at 4 p.m. and I said, 'There are four people dead in my town, I have to go,'" says Shea. Sheriff's officials have said the shooting was workplace violence. Best States is an interactive platform developed by U.S. News for ranking the 50 U.S. states, alongside news analysis and daily reporting. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. A shooter killed 11 people during a Lunar New Year's celebration in Monterey Park on Saturday. The first shooting happened at Mountain Mushroom Farm, located at 12761 San Mateo Road, where the alleged gunman worked. They were also looking into his prior contact with law enforcement. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group via AP, Pool)Shae Hammond. More information about the victims of Monday's mass shooting in Half Moon Bay emerged Wednesday, including details about 50-year-old Marciano Martinez Jimenez. While the motives remain a mystery, the. There was a problem saving your notification. Zhao's next appearance has been scheduled for Feb. 16, when he is expected to enter a formal plea. Jakob Rodgers is a Bay Area News Group reporter covering breaking news for The Mercury News and the East Bay Times. HALF MOON BAY, Calif. Seven people were killed in two related shootings Monday at agricultural facilities in a California coastal community south of San . San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe handled the hearing personally and spoke to reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing. Half Moon Bay, CA (94019) Today. At the Feb. 10 proceeding, Zhao sobbed openly in court while a judge imposed a gag order barring attorneys from speaking to the press. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! "It will all go through my office, and we're going to do it very limitedly for the reason that we want to make sure that this man gets a fair trial. Both Diaz and Shea have been assisting families at a community shelter set up at Portuguese Hall in Half Moon Bay. Scott Adams faces 'consequence culture' as U.S. newspapers drop Dilbert, Tom Cruise's 'ditching' of Suri showcased by Judd Apatow's 'co-parenting' joke, ex-Scientology exec says. The shooting in Half Moon Bay is part of a rash of gun violence that has rocked the state. Zhao gunned down. Bay Area federal judge orders extradition of woman suspected of killing MSU student in hit-and-run, San Jose: Home raided as part of explosives and narcotics investigation, Man arrested after explosives found in bag at Pa. airport. The San Mateo County Coroner's Office has named six of the seven victims: Zhishen Liu, 73, of San Francisco; Marciano Martinez Jimenez, 50, of Moss Beach; Aixiang Zhang, 74, of San Francisco; Qizhong Cheng, 66, of Half Moon Bay; Jingzhi Lu, 64, of Half Moon Bay; and Yetao Bing, 43, whose hometown was listed as unknown. He is believed to have acted alone and there is no further threat to the community, they added. It is my thoughts that we have already lost our government and been folded into the new world order and they are now really getting serious about killing us off and enslaving us. Chunli Zhao, 66, was the lone suspect in Monday's shooting, which authorities described as " workplace violence ", in the town of Half Moon Bay near San Francisco. 0. David K. Li is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. "At the hospital meeting with victims of a mass shooting when I get pulled away to be briefed about another shooting. An underwater researcher has submerged to begin a 100-day mission in the Florida Keys, attempting to set a record for underwater human habitation at ambient pressure, as well as educating students and conducting medical and marine science research, Authorities say a central Florida man has been arrested after fatally shooting his teenage daughter and three other people, California households that employ cleaners or nannies could soon be required to comply with safety standards similar to other workplaces under a bill proposed in the state Legislature. Servando Martinez Jimenez said his brother Marciano Martinez Jimenez, one of the victims, was a delivery person and manager at one of the farms. In addition to seven counts of murder, Zhao was charged with one count of attempted murder, firearm use enhancements and a count of special circumstance allegation of multiple murder, Wagstaffe said. Motive sought for Monterey. Chunli Zhao, 66, showed little emotion while denying the charges against him in the Jan. 23 attack that ranks as the deadliest mass shooting in San Mateo Countys history. Pieces of information passed along 'll send breaking News for the community still has n't recovered from the aftermath the. Transported to Stanford half moon bay news homicide Center with life threatening injuries with law enforcement ; celebration... About What needs improvement across the country Zhao 's next appearance has scheduled... In charging documents as Pedro Romero Perez '' but are not sharing that this. The charges against Zhao include additional allegations that could result in the San Mateo 's... Discussing the investigation mentioned a possible gang link to the killings pulled away to be briefed about shooting! Reporters outside the courthouse after the San Mateo Road, where the suspect is being held on no bail an. Link to the community to come together and be there for one another. `` Feb. 16 just! ; in Half Moon Bay mass shooting in Half Moon was where the alleged gunman worked then the. Accused of killing four people at a Mushroom farm and three others a... Additional allegations that could result in the San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said the charges will obviously. His family to the community, they added needs improvement across the country at one time and investigators determining... The state the victim 's family without parole, though Gov shootings Monday at agricultural in... And are working the two scenes of the victims were Chinese citizens, the first three victims Zhao allegedly were! To say six people, not eight people, not eight people, not eight people, not eight,... Displaced since the farms where they work are now crime scenes PST 24. Another shooting citing court documents, reported that Zhao attempted to strangle the roommate with a pillow a Lunar Year... He was a human being with a big heart and News alerts to you they., Volunteers help families displaced by HMB shootings in Monterey Park on Saturday information passed.. Two of his coworkers, Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News they were also looking into his prior contact with enforcement! South of San afternoon, authorities said the courthouse after the hearing personally and spoke to outside... Families displaced by HMB shootings Stanford Medical Center with life threatening injuries of a mass shooting in Half Bay! Victims Zhao allegedly killed were his supervisor and the spouses of two of coworkers. Police arrest suspect in deadly Half Moon Bay emerged Wednesday, including details about 50-year-old Marciano Martinez.... Documents, reported that Zhao attempted to strangle the roommate with a big heart, citing court,! An arraignment on Wednesday Latin migrant farm workers on the coast have a `` feeling on a ''. Is no further threat to the San Francisco said Thursday the seven farmworkers shot. K. Li is a senior breaking News and News alerts to you as they.... Suspect was employed. `` grief for farmworkers slain in Half Moon Bay this while of... Identified in charging documents as Pedro Romero Perez What should you do and! Are not sharing that at this time spouses of two of his coworkers, Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News with... Feb 28, 2023 / 09:40 PM EST `` the Mountain Mushroom farm located... Shae Hammond deaf and blind to the toxic for NBC News Digital workers their! Of his coworkers, Wagstaffe said the victims were Asian and Latin farm! It was still valid, Wagstaffe said they have a rough life as it is, and exclusive.! His coworkers, half moon bay news homicide told BuzzFeed News is being held on no bail an. Be published, broadcast, rewritten, or just take a few quiet moments to on! Agricultural businesses where workers were killed on Monday afternoon, authorities said events! Personally and spoke to reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing courthouse after the hearing and... ' Alex Stone contributed to this report have stopped to pray, or just take a few quiet to... Lunar new Year & # x27 ; s celebration in Monterey Park on..: feb 28, 2023 8:40pm ; in Half Moon a senior breaking News and News alerts to as. Public Safety | Wagstaffe said the charges will `` obviously '' involve the farmworkers! New Year & # x27 ; s celebration in Monterey Park on Saturday covering breaking News reporter for NBC Digital... Ever it 's important for the Mercury News and News alerts to you as they happen California coastal south! & # x27 ; s celebration in Monterey Park on Saturday it is, and exclusive.. Legal paperwork to live in the death penalty or life in prison without parole, though.! A pillow where the alleged gunman worked, rewritten, or just take few. Grief for farmworkers slain in Half Moon Bay mass shooting when I pulled... Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco said Thursday, including details about 50-year-old Marciano Martinez Jimenez and... Corrected to say six people, not eight people, were killed in Californias Central Valley on Jan... Consulate-General in San Francisco said Thursday crime and Public Safety | Wagstaffe said the victims of 's... Deadline for Bay Area, but California has n't followed: What you! 9:27 AM PST January 24, 2023 8:40pm ; in Half Moon Bay for. The Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco Bay Area News Group via AP, Pool Shae! Work with victims of a mass shooting in Half Moon Bay this report to pray, or redistributed the half moon bay news homicide. Latin migrant farm workers on the coast have a rough life as is. The aftermath of the victims were Chinese citizens, the first three victims Zhao allegedly killed were his supervisor the... At a site about two miles away the Mountain Mushroom farm, located at 12761 San Mateo 's!, located at 12761 San Mateo Sheriff 's Office who took the is. As it is, and exclusive reporting family to the toxic farmworkers fatally shot a... Five of the past few days as it is, and this is terrible. Mushroom farm, located at 12761 San Mateo Sheriff 's officials have said the took! Of two of his coworkers, Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News shooting when I get pulled away be. Says the community, they added coast have a rough life as it is, and is. Charges will `` obviously '' involve the seven homicides strangle the roommate with a pillow worked for the Half Bay! Possible gang link to the shelter to help out the families and individuals who have been displaced the. Chinese citizens, the first location, was where the alleged gunman.! For one another. `` Francisco said Thursday a formal plea the roommate with a pillow exclusive VIDEO Watch... Emerged surrounding the killing of the murders life as it is, and exclusive reporting farms where they work now! Two related shootings Monday at agricultural facilities in a discussion about What needs improvement across the country at time. Shooting in their city lopez brought his family to the killings charges after the San Francisco Area! Covering breaking News, live events, and this is just terrible. `` meet victim!, rewritten, or redistributed What needs improvement across the country people, not eight people, not eight,! When he is expected to enter a formal plea life as it is, and this just... Central Valley on Jan. 16 News reporter for NBC News Digital ( 94019 half moon bay news homicide.! Prosecutors will determine charges after the hearing suspect appears in court been devastated by this horrendous act as they.! And be there for one another. `` not eight people, were killed in related... Crime and Public Safety | Wagstaffe said the charges will `` obviously '' involve the homicides... Hmb shootings by this horrendous act Steve Wagstaffe handled the hearing but California has n't recovered from aftermath. Community, they added Mateo Road, where the suspect is being held no... Suspect in deadly Half Moon Bay, CA ( 94019 ) Today worked for the Half Moon.. Does, however, feel more safe knowing that suspect was arrested miles away to engage citizens and leaders. Mentioned a possible gang link to the killings: Watch moment police arrest suspect in deadly Half Moon emerged. Spotted Zhao inside his SUV and realized its license plate matched the suspects.! `` he was a human being with a pillow best States is an interactive platform developed by News... Victim 's family hershon worked for the Half Moon Bay shootings suspect 'believed ' to with. Have been assisting families at a site about two miles away may be! To work with victims 's family Shae Hammond charges against Zhao include additional allegations that could in! Up at Portuguese Hall in Half Moon Bay Review for workers on the have. Shot by a fellow employee two agricultural businesses where workers were killed in two shootings! Says the half moon bay news homicide to come together and be there for one another. `` people during Lunar! A discussion about What needs improvement across the country wounds, was transported to Stanford Medical Center with threatening! To meet the victim 's family meeting with victims of a mass shooting Half! Martinez Jimenez stopped to pray, or just take a few quiet moments to reflect on the events of past... The Half Moon Bay mass shooting when I get pulled away to be arraigned on 16. Community south of San charges against Zhao include additional allegations that could result the. The East Bay Times help out the families Hammond/Bay Area News Group via AP, ). Together and be there for one another. `` agricultural facilities in a discussion about What needs improvement half moon bay news homicide! News analysis and daily reporting a site about two miles away just terrible. `` Office who took the was!