Wagstaffe went on to say his office believes that they know a motive in the shooting, but he wouldn't divulge that, saying the focus now is on the prosecution and keeping the details out of the public eye to ensure a fair trial. Cases like this, weve never had one in this county, of this many deaths. Some of these victims were members of our migrant community, Sheriff Corpus said. Gavin Newsom has issued a moratorium on executions. Stephanie Baer is a reporter with BuzzFeed News and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Some people were shot in trailers on the property, Wagstaffe said. Oates said there were three mobile homes and six trailers for employees on the premises. The shooting took place in the San Francisco Bay area earlier this week. 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. The alleged gunman, 66-year-old Chunli Zhao, made his first court appearance on Wednesday. He cares about everyone.". "We strongly condemn this incident of gun violence," a spokesperson for the Consulate-General said in a statement, "and would like to express our deep condolences to the victims and sincere condolences to the injured and the families of the victims. Please enter valid email address to continue. The shooting in Half Moon Bay is part of a rash of gun violence that has rocked the state. Theres an awful lot more to learn.. 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.". "We have a long way to go before we make that decision," Wagstaffe said, adding that they would hear from the victims' families and Zhao's attorneys on the matter as well. Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images Chunli Zhao appears for a motion hearing at the San Mateo County Hall of Justice on February 10, 2023 in Redwood City, California. The 66-year-old suspect was an employee of. Law enforcement personnel work at the scene of shooting at Mountain Mushroom Farm, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, after a gunman killed several people at two agricultural businesses in Half Moon Bay . Zhao, 66, has been charged with seven counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Alejandro Lopez knew one of the victims - a man he called a brother, a friend he has known for 30 years. Deputies found four victims deceased with gunshot wounds. The criminal complaint charges Zhao in the order that investigators believe the killings and attempted killing occurred, Wagstaffe said. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Tragedy upon tragedy," Newsom tweeted. Officials have said some of the people killed were migrant workers. Zhao, 66, made his first court appearance. Gavin Newsom traveled to the Northern California community of. "At the hospital meeting with victims of a mass shooting when I get pulled away to be briefed about another shooting. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. 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. The first shooting happened at Mountain Mushroom Farm, located at 12761 San Mateo Road, where the alleged gunman worked. The Half Moon Bay Shooting Victims Have Been Identified And The Suspected Shooter Has Been Charged With Murder. 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. The platform is designed to engage citizens and government leaders in a discussion about what needs improvement across the country. Authorities say Zhao then drove to Concord Farms, where he worked until 2015, and began shooting there. "That's why from this point on the sheriff's office will not be making public statements about the case," he told reporters. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph.. . Opinion: Mass shooting reveals resistance to farmworker housing Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. "We're not revealing that at this point. Chunli Zhao, 66, was set to make his first court appearance Wednesday but it was postponed until Feb. 16, San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. Pac-12 media rights: Our (final) predictions for the revenue, media partners, expansion decisions and more, Denver gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, In 4 years, Lori Lightfoot went from breakout political star to divisive mayor of a Chicago beset by pandemic and crime, Florida lawmakers to consider expansion of so-called dont say gay law, Drone crashes at Disneyland after hovering over visitors heads See video, Rapper Travis Scott wanted for assaulting Manhattan club sound engineer, destroying $12K in equipment, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The arrest stems from an August 2022 armed robbery when Vacaville police responded to reports of a shooting and found two victims, according to a release posted on the . She is another local resident who came to the shelter to help out the families. Mass shooting in Half Moon Bay CA: 'Disaffected' mushroom farm worker, 67, arrested for murder 7. by Appia . It's not yet known if the woman, who wasn't wearing a seatbelt at the time, was using her car's self-driving features or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Abc Affiliate Kgo/ABC News Affiliate KGO via Reuters, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Gov. EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch moment police arrest suspect in deadly Half Moon Bay shootings. Create a password that only you will remember. It just hits home a little bit, because my dad and a lot of my uncles have been farm workers. It was a very hectic scene. We believe the answer is no..". Wagstaffe said they have a "feeling on a motive" but are not sharing that at this time. 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. Renato Juarez Perez told the news group that Jose and Pedro Romero Perez, who were shot at California Terra Garden, were brothers who had recently moved to the area to be close to family. First published on January 25, 2023 / 7:14 AM. Zhao gunned down. He was polite and friendly with everyone. The suspect has been taken into custody, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office confirmed. The first three victims Zhao allegedly killed were his supervisor and the spouses of two of his coworkers, Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News. All of this while most of society is walking down the train tracks deaf and blind to the toxic . Some were already staying in hotels because their homes were damaged in the storm. Zhao is believed to have acted alone, San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said. Diablo, Stephen Curry surprises Bay Area kids with Warriors shopping spree. VIDEO: Woman who witnessed HMB shooting suspect's arrest shares details. Background. 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. The suspect is being held on no bail following an arraignment on Wednesday. "There is a lot of sadness, there is grief," says Diaz. The Mexican Consulate in San Francisco on Wednesday confirmed two of the deceased victims are Mexican nationals, as well as the only surviving victim of the attack. It was Californias third mass shooting in eight days, and the largest in San Mateo County's history, Wagstaffe said. He also allegedly said "he would use a kitchen knife to split" Wang's head. The violence appeared to stem from a workplace grudge, according to authorities one triggered by a $100 equipment bill from his boss for damage to heavy construction equipment. He declined to comment further Wednesday, saying he would defer to law enforcement. High 52F. Three have struck California since Jan. 16, according to a database compiled by The Associated Press, USA Today and Northeastern University. More than 60 people have been killed. Everyone from the community is invited to attend. Zhao also allegedly shot three people at a trucking business on the 2100 block of Cabrillo Highway South. Though charging documents filed against Zhao on Thursday identified him as Jose Romero Perez. "There was a note inside the car," Wagstaffe said. Seven people are dead and one is critically injured following shootings at two farms in Half Moon Bay this afternoon, a source confirmed to ABC7 News. A lot of ranch workers and their families have been displaced since the farms where they work are now crime scenes. Chilling new details emerged surrounding the killing of the seven farmworkers fatally shot by a fellow employee. Zhao worked for Mountain Mushroom Farm and lived in Half Moon Bay at the time of the killing spree. HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (AP) A farmworker accused of killing seven people in back-to-back shootings at two Northern California mushroom farms will be charged with seven counts of murder and one of attempted murder, a prosecutor said Wednesday. Both Diaz and Shea have been assisting families at a community shelter set up at Portuguese Hall in Half Moon Bay. Updated: Feb 28, 2023 / 09:40 PM EST. We share in their pain and know that our community members are also keeping the victims and their families in their hearts. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 0. 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. HALF MOON BAY, Calif. (KGO) -- Seven people are dead and one is critically injured following shootings at two farms in Half Moon Bay this afternoon, a source confirmed to ABC7 News.. A farmworker accused of killing seven people in back-to-back shootings at two Half Moon Bay mushroom farms was charged Wednesday with seven counts of murder and one of attempted murder. KGO A weapon was also found in his car, the release added. ", Volunteers help families displaced by HMB shootings. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Tags: Associated Press, courts, crime, California. "This is a devastating tragedy for this community and the many families touched by this unspeakable act of violence," said San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus. The shootings broke out at California Terra Garden, previously known as Mountain Mushroom Farm, and nearby Concord Farms. The FBI of San Francisco is assisting the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office by providing investigative and forensic resources. Aaron Tung, the Concord Farms' principal, released the following statement: With the little information that is available to us at the moment, our comments are limited. The population was 459,470 at the 2020 census. Two hours into the manhunt, Zhao drove himself the San Mateo County Sheriffs substation parking lot at 537 Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. REDWOOD CITY, Calif. The man accused of gunning down seven migrant farmworkers last month during a shooting spree at two mushroom farms in the coastal hamlet of Half Moon Bay pleaded not guilty on Thursday to a slew of murder charges. "not concerned about anything else, just hoping to see him come out, because I really don't want to" said Carlos Martinez-Maya. Motive sought for Monterey Park mass shooting that left 11 dead during Lunar New Year celebrations, Baby, teen mom among 6 victims in massacre at Central Valley home, Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12, 50-year-old Moss Beach resident Marciano Martinez Jimenez, 73-year-old San Francisco resident Zhishen Liu, 74-year-old San Francisco resident Aixiang Zhang, 64-year-old Half Moon Bay resident Jingzhi Lu, 66-year-old Half Moon Bay resident Qizhong Cheng, 43-year-old Yetao Bing (residence unknown), Jose Romero Perez (age and residence unknown). All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Half Moon Bay suspect in court after 7 people killed in mass shooting. All Rights Reserved. A source tells ABC7 News the suspect worked at one of the mushroom farms, and all the victims were coworkers. Contact Stephanie K. Baer at stephanie.baer@buzzfeed.com. Kate Shea and Lizette Diaz are Half Moon Bay residents and both have been volunteering in the city to help those impacted by the massive flooding from January's torrential rain. He started giving the subject commands. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and the Chinese American community, from Half Moon Bay to Monterey Park. Wagstaffe said the case will move forward the right way, through the court of law, and not through the public eye. And that the case gets tried here in the community, and which it was committed." Half Moon Bay mass shooting devastating to local farmworker community The U.S. has seen 39 mass shootings so far this month. We thank law enforcement for their swift response and actions. Seven victims were shot to death. The U.S. has seen 39 mass shootings so far this month. More information and a sign-up pageare available online here. Elias: Reconfigure Californias fruit stops to check for illegal guns The man accused of killing seven people in a mass shooting in Half Moon Bay, California, is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday, officials said. I dont understand why all this happened, Martinez Jimenez said in Spanish. Zhao's next appearance has been scheduled for Feb. 16, when he is expected to enter a formal plea. Zhao, 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. Copyright 2023 TheAssociated Press. The judge ordered that Zhao be held on no bail. They emptied out the palace before they emptied out the White House. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen. "All of the evidence we have points to this being the instance of workplace violence.". This undated photo provided by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department shows Chunli Zhao. Officials released the names of the two women and five men killed in shootings at two farms in Half Moon Bay, California, as the man accused of gunning them down was charged with their murders on Wednesday. Sheriff's officials have said it was workplace violence. 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. The coroner's office named six of the victims: Zhishen Liu, 73, of San Francisco; Marciano Martinez Jimenez, 50, of Moss Beach, California; 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 unknown. Among those allegations are that Zhao used a gun, caused great bodily injury, killed multiple people, and had a prior felony conviction. Zhao did not have a lengthy criminal history in San Mateo County. Zhao, 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. The San Francisco Chronicle and Bay Area News Group subsequently reported that Zhao was accused in civil court of threatening to suffocate and split the head of his former co-worker and roommate. Updated: 9:27 AM PST January 24, 2023. Zhao gunned down five people, killing four, investigators said. Several people reported that relocating allowed them to have a good night's sleep again, added Guerrero. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Zhou, four of the victims, and the fifth person who was injured in the shooting at California Terra Garden all worked at the farm, according to a company spokesperson. The county coroner's office on Wednesday morning identified six of the seven victims in Monday's horrific mass shooting at two Half Moon Bay farms. It comes after the municipality took part in the Municipal Investment Forum, where lar Zhao remains held without bail on seven counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, along with numerous sentencing enhancements. ABC News' Alex Stone contributed to this report. Half Moon Bay mass shooting suspect Chunli Zhao makes his first court appearance on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. She declined to say whether the victims were the killers intended targets. ABC7 News reporters J.R. Stone and Anser Hassan and Amanda del Castillo contributed to this report. By Associated Press California. The sheriff's office says a weapon was located in Zhao's vehicle. Prior to arriving here in 2021, he worked at The Gazette in Colorado Springs, Colo., where he spent nearly a decade covering crime, the military and the public safety net, including health care and social services. Seven people were fatally shot at two nurseries in Half Moon Bay on Monday. Zhao has lived in the United States for at least a dozen years, Wagstaffe said, adding he had legal paperwork to live in the country at one time and investigators were determining whether it was still valid. Here's what they found. Shocked and horrified, Miriam Ortizs husband, who was behind the wheel, started the car and prepared to drive away. A man on a motorcycle was waving his arms and legs around while driving on Adams Street in . IE 11 is not supported. They're invisible without transportation and without resources. Get the latest on the deadly Half Moon Bay shootings here. He's originally from Oaxaca, Mexico. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA degree in journalism. Chunli Zhao, 67, of Half Moon Bay, has been arrested in connection to the incidents. An eighth shooting victim survived and is currently in stable condition at a hospital. California; Half Moon Bay; CA-92; . 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. We have not had in San Mateo County before, a case with one instance of seven murders at once, Wagstaffe said at a news conference. Half Moon Bay mass shooting: Suspect enters, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Alameda County DAs new policy will reduce prison sentences through widespread elimination of sentencing enhancements, Half Moon Bay mass shooting: Suspect enters plea in deadly killing spree, Elias: Reconfigure Californias fruit stops to check for illegal guns, Letters: Worksite racism | Exacerbating problems | Cancer research | Plant-based diet | Back health, Letters: County oversight | Compensate farmworkers | Affordable housing | Gun rights | Silencing greatness | Fossil fuel alternatives, Opinion: Mass shooting reveals resistance to farmworker housing, After mass shooting, new Bay Area task force to crack down on unpermitted farmworker housing. Californias third mass shooting husband, who was behind the wheel, the... 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