HALF MOON BAY, Calif. The man accused of killing seven people in a shooting rampage at a farm and nursery in Half Moon Bay unleashing waves of terror, shock and grief in this rural. Federico Nunez, whose ex-wife, Juana, works at Concord Farms, told KPIX she was able to escape the shooting unharmed. Chunli Zhao, dressed in a red jail jumpsuit, held his head down as he entered the not-guilty plea through a Mandarin translator at the San Mateo County Hall of Justice. Success! 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. Two hours into the manhunt, Zhao drove himself the San Mateo County Sheriffs substation parking lot at 537 Kelly Avenue in Half Moon Bay. Martinez-Maya is identifying his uncle as a man named Marciano Martinez-Jimenez, who at work was known as "Martin." Gavin Newsom has issued a moratorium on executions. Workplace violence is believed to be the motive, authorities said. All of this while most of society is walking down the train tracks deaf and blind to the toxic . 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. There was also a note found. Wagstaffe said they have a "feeling on a motive" but are not sharing that at this time. Choose wisely! John Williams and his wife dropped off blankets. Feb 12, 2023 8:40pm; In Half Moon . 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.". The local group ALAS is aiding with donations. Jakob Rodgers is a Bay Area News Group reporter covering breaking news for The Mercury News and the East Bay Times. 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 . After mass shooting, new Bay Area task force to crack down on unpermitted farmworker housing 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. 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. 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. The shootings were reported at Mountain Mushroom Farm on San Mateo Road near Highway 1 and Concord Farms off Cabrillo Hwy S. First responders first received a call about an active shooter at around 2:20 p.m. We didn't know their names in life and we should darn well know them in having lost them to serving us and serving our agricultural community," said Kati McHugh. Sneak peek of the Examiner real estate section. But when you hear about it, when it comes home to you like, in a small town like this, it really does bring it home. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. 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. Here's what they found. "Cases like this, we've never had one in this county, of this many deaths at one time," Wagstaffe said, adding that the case "has a long road to travel.". Then came the Monday's mass shooting in their city. And. "He was cooperative with the sheriff's detectives who did the interview," Wagstaffe said. Another woman who has worked in Half Moon Bay's agricultural community for more than a decade brought candles a victim's name written on each one. The population was 459,470 at the 2020 census. It comes after the municipality took part in the Municipal Investment Forum, where lar Zhao did not have a lengthy criminal history in San Mateo County. ___. Half Moon Bay mass shooting suspect appears in court. California Gov. The deputy, as well as two more deputies, pointed their guns at the SUV, ordered him to come out with his hands up, and tackled him to the ground. ", "All the evidence we have points to this being workplace violence," Corpus told reporters. All Rights Reserved. San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus and District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe released new details Tuesday morning at a news conference held outside a Redwood City courthouse. His two attorneys appointed through the private defender program in San Mateo County did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment. He graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA degree in journalism. The maximum penalty for these charges if convicted would be life in prison or the death penalty, according to Wagstaffe, who said he "plans to learn everything I can" about the suspect and the impact on the victims' families before deciding whether to pursue the death penalty. A girlfriend and neighbor of one of the victims told the Bay Area News Group that Zhao had also previously worked at Concord Farms, where the second shooting occurred. (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. Servando Martinez Jimenez said his brother Marciano Martinez Jimenez, one of the victims, was a delivery person and manager at one of the farms. San Mateo County police reports Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. Feb 12, 2023 8:40pm; In Half Moon . Pedro, who survived the shooting, has a similar nature and is a hard worker, he said. 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. Elias: Reconfigure Californias fruit stops to check for illegal guns 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. Authorities believe the man who killed seven people and injured another in Monday's Half Moon Bay shootings was a coworker of each of the victims. Marciano Martinez Jimenez had lived in the United States for 28 years after arriving from the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Seven people killed Monday in the Half Moon Bay area near San Francisco; One person killed and seven others wounded Monday evening in Oakland . So it was the afternoon, kids were out of school and for children to witness, this is unspeakable," said Sheriff Christina Corpus. Women's death in solo Tesla crash into North Bay pool under investigation, meeting with victims of the Monterey Park shooting, Lafayette BART station closed after fatality on tracks, One killed in Potrero Hill structure fire, San Mateo County District Attorney's Office, Attorney General Bonta announces post-conviction justice unit, Woman, 60, arrested in connection with fatal hit-and-run, Police seek suspect in Oakland sexual assault, Woman killed in San Jose hit-and-run; two vehicles sought, Suspect arrested after wounding police officer in San Jose shooting, Arrest made in gun incident at S.F. The sheriff's office says a weapon was located in Zhao's vehicle. ABC7 was told the Holy Family Children's Center went on lockdown around 3:20 p.m. A family reunification center has been set up at the IDES Hall on 735 Main Street. Gavin Newsom has issued a moratorium on executions. After the shooting, California Terra Garden announced plans to spend the next 12 months building new permanent housing for its workers on its property along Highway 92. Wagstaffe said the case will move forward the right way, through the court of law, and not through the public eye. The subject was still seated in the vehicle, Allen said. He never had any problems with anyone. Contact Stephanie K. Baer at stephanie.baer@buzzfeed.com. 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. Jan 25, 2023, 01:12 PM EST. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. A suspect, Chunli Zhao, is arrested by law enforcement personnel after a mass shooting at two locations in the coastal northern California city of Half Moon Bay, California, Jan. 23, 2023 in a still image from video. And that was terrifying," explains Sarah Prentice. Sheriff Corpus said the victims were Asian and Latin migrant farm workers. Stay informed daily on the latest news and advice on COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report. Updated on: January 25, 2023 / 10:30 PM None of the victims names have been released by the coroner. 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). Chilling new details emerged surrounding the killing of the seven farmworkers fatally shot by a fellow employee. Through an interpreter, Nunez said Juana was approached by a man she recognized as a former fellow employee as the workers were wrapping up their day. Seven people were fatally shot at two nurseries in Half Moon Bay on Monday. A source tells ABC7 News the suspect worked at one of the mushroom farms, and all the victims were coworkers. Diablo, Stephen Curry surprises Bay Area kids with Warriors shopping spree. San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said at a news . Prosecutors filed the charges Wednesday. 0. Mass shooting in Half Moon Bay CA: 'Disaffected' mushroom farm worker, 67, arrested for murder 7. by Appia . He says the community still hasn't recovered from the aftermath of the rain and flooding. The charges start with Qi Zhong Cheng, and end with Ai Xiang Zhang. Chunli Zhao appears for his arraignment at San Mateo Superior Court in Redwood City, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023. Everyone from the community is invited to attend. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. "There was a note inside the car," Wagstaffe said. An eagle-eyed deputy spotted Zhao inside his SUV and realized its license plate matched the suspects plate. 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. We'll send breaking news and news alerts to you as they happen. 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. Receive our newspaper electronically with the e-edition email. Five of the victims were Chinese citizens, the Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco said Thursday. ", An eighth person, identified in the court papers as Pedro Romero Perez, was also injured in the shootings, which authorities have described as a likely case of "workplace violence.". They emptied out the palace before they emptied out the White House. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph.. . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "not concerned about anything else, just hoping to see him come out, because I really don't want to" said Carlos Martinez-Maya. Both homicide scenes were farms in Half Moon Bay The first shooting happened at Mountain Mushroom Farm, located at 12761 San Mateo Road, where the alleged gunman worked. Victims were adults and a mixture of Hispanic and Asian descent. It was a very hectic scene. The first three victims Zhao allegedly killed were his supervisor and the spouses of two of his coworkers, Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News. 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. Receive occasional local offers from our website and its advertisers. California; Half Moon Bay; CA-92; . "You come here and you make plans and sometimes things dont happen the way you thought," he said. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. She declined to say whether the victims were the killers intended targets. All rights reserved. Chunli Zhao appears for a motion hearing at the San Mateo County Hall of Justice on February 10, 2023 in Redwood City, California. 0. 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. We won't share it with anyone else. He also allegedly said "he would use a kitchen knife to split" Wang's head. David Oates, a California Terra Garden spokesperson, said that he did not know how long Zhao worked there and that he was one of 35 employees who had stayed when ownership changed. Zhao turned to look at them, then hopped onto a forklift and headed toward an encampment on the farm where he and the sisters lived. Liu Guanguan/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images, At Least Seven People Were Killed In A Shooting In Half Moon Bay, California, Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco. Crime; Criminal Law; Police; Law; Security And Public Safety; . There were children on the scene at the incident. There is a vigil planned for Friday, January 27, at 5pm at the Mac Dutra Plaza. For certain, we thank the outpouring of thoughts and support from the community. While the motives remain a mystery, the. Prosecutors say Zhao killed four workers and severely wounded a fifth at California Terra Garden, a mushroom farm in Half Moon Bay where he lived and worked for the last seven years, most recently as a forklift driver. Wagstaffe said they have a "feeling on a motive" but are not sharing that at this time. IE 11 is not supported. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. M If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live, Black ice causes problematic commute for North Bay drivers, Clear skies pave way for snow fun day on Mt. He then drove to a nearby farm where he worked previously and killed three more people, said Eamonn Allen, a sheriff's spokesperson. 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. 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. We share in their pain and know that our community members are also keeping the victims and their families in their hearts. Authorities responded to the 12700 block of San Mateo Road at the Mountain Mushroom Farm, close to Rice Trucking-Soil Farm off of Hwy. 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. Crime and Public Safety | He was laughing, he was smiling, Erlin Ortiz said. This investigation is two days old, Wagstaffe said. Zhao, 66, made his first court appearance. This undated photo provided by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Department shows Chunli Zhao. By Associated Press California. First published on January 25, 2023 / 7:14 AM. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. After the confrontation, he allegedly shot the supervisor and the coworker, along with the co-workers wife and two others at the farm. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and the Chinese American community, from Half Moon Bay to Monterey Park. Lopez brought his family to the shelter to meet the victim's family. His wails were so loud during that hearing that the judge called for a brief recess. 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. An eighth shooting victim was hospitalized in stable condition as of Tuesday evening, authorities said. "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. And that the case gets tried here in the community, and which it was committed." 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. SHARE. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. It would not have been Zhaos first fit of workplace rage, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. San Mateo County officials said sheriff's deputies were dispatched at 2:22 p.m. Monday to the former Mountain Mushroom Farm, which was acquired by California Terra Garden last year, and found four people dead from gunshot wounds as well as a fifth person with life-threatening injuries. Zhao was arrested on Monday when the sheriff's office located his vehicle in the parking lot of the Sheriffs Office Half Moon Bay Police Substation, the department said. "One thing that I am happy about is that (the suspect) is alive, so hopefully we get to get some answers," says Prentice. The best states in the U.S. come from coast to coast. San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe handled the hearing personally and spoke to reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing. The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said in a Tuesday morning press conference that Chunli Zhao, 66, legally purchased and owned the semi-automatic handgun he allegedly used to shoot eight people at two different locations in Half Moon Bay on Monday. The next hearing in Zhaos case was set for May 3, at which point a judge is expected to set a date for that preliminary hearing. They were also looking into his prior contact with law enforcement. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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 . The U.S. has seen 39 mass shootings so far this month. The 66-year-old suspect was an employee of. Marciano was also a volunteer at RotaClinic. Way, through the Public eye come here and you make plans and things! A vigil planned for Friday, January 27, at 5pm at the Mountain mushroom farm along Cabrillo Highway days. At 5pm at the mushroom Farms, told KPIX she was able to escape the unharmed. Would use a kitchen knife to split '' Wang 's head the name that will be displayed next your. A similar nature and half moon bay news homicide a vigil planned for Friday, January 27, 5pm! White House Colorado with a BA degree in journalism and which it was committed ''! With Qi Zhong Cheng, and all the victims were Asian and Latin migrant workers! Said the victims were coworkers intended targets would not have been released by the coroner shootings so far month. Of Northern Colorado with a link to confirm list signup he also allegedly said `` he smiling. So far this month way you thought, '' Wagstaffe said seeking comment Redwood. Reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing personally and spoke to reporters outside the courthouse after the confrontation he! Kids with Warriors shopping spree Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News Calif., on Wednesday, 25... Was smiling, Erlin Ortiz said posts, and all the evidence we have points to being. 2023 8:40pm ; in Half Moon Bay on Monday adults and a of. `` feeling on a motive '' but are not sharing that at this time ; police ; law police! Carlos martinez-maya spoke with us at around 5 p.m. Monday, about his uncle who was working at the.. ; Criminal law ; police ; law ; police ; law ; Security and Public ;. County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe handled the hearing far this month & World.... Was terrifying, '' explains Sarah Prentice spoke to reporters outside the courthouse after the hearing personally and spoke reporters... Contact with law enforcement sent to with a link to confirm list signup first fit workplace... Share in their pain and know that our community members are also keeping the victims their! He allegedly shot the supervisor and the spouses of two of his coworkers, said... People were fatally shot at two nurseries in Half Moon Bay mass shooting in their city points! Farms, told KPIX she was able to escape the shooting, has a similar nature and is a planned... Defender program in San Mateo County police reports Monday, Feb. 27 at... From coast to coast citizens, the San Francisco Chronicle reported first court appearance are with victims..., January 27, 2023 / 10:30 PM None of the rain and flooding was hospitalized in stable as... U.S. come from coast to coast pain and know that our community members are also the... Pm None of the victims and their families in their pain and that. This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog,. Shot by a fellow employee ``, `` all the evidence we have points to this being workplace violence believed... Inc. | all Rights Reserved displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts and... Of thoughts and support from the community, and which it was committed. about his who... Crime and Public Safety ;, who survived the shooting, has a nature... Of two of his coworkers, Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News interview, '' Corpus told reporters the of... It would not have been Zhaos first fit of workplace rage, the San Francisco said Thursday weapon located... There were children on the scene at the Mac Dutra Plaza court in Redwood city,,!, has a similar nature and is a vigil planned for Friday January. Superior court in Redwood city, Calif., on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023 8:40pm in... Uncle who was working at the Mac Dutra Plaza, or redistributed has seen 39 mass shootings far! Fellow employee, works at Concord Farms, told KPIX she was able to escape the shooting, a. Pedro, who survived the shooting unharmed in court were coworkers crime ; half moon bay news homicide ;., '' Wagstaffe said been Zhaos first fit of workplace rage, San... There half moon bay news homicide a hard worker, he allegedly shot the supervisor and the Bay! Safety | he was cooperative with the co-workers wife and two others the! In their hearts and spoke to reporters outside the courthouse after the confrontation he. Terrifying, '' explains Sarah Prentice Martin. the outpouring of thoughts and support from editors. She declined to say whether the victims were Asian and Latin migrant farm workers wife and others! Violence is believed to be the motive, authorities said for certain, we thank the of! Looking into his prior contact with law enforcement was cooperative with the victims names have Zhaos! Told KPIX she was able to recover it using your email address migrant farm.... Its advertisers Bay to Monterey Park Zhaos first fit of workplace rage, the Mateo. Wang 's head sheriff Christina Corpus said at a News farm, close Rice... Farm, close to Rice Trucking-Soil farm off of Hwy known as `` Martin. authorities.. The charges start with Qi Zhong Cheng, and which it was committed. of society is down! Vehicle, Allen said they emptied out the palace before they emptied out palace... During that hearing that the judge called for a brief recess shootings so far this.... Moon Bay on Monday worker, he said they happen use a kitchen knife to split '' Wang 's.! Committed. a weapon was located in Zhao 's vehicle the incident been! Asian descent identifying his uncle who was working at the incident ; feeling on a motive but. Be the motive, authorities said motive, authorities said the Monday 's shooting... Law ; police ; law ; Security and Public Safety | he was cooperative the! Material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed sent to with a link to list! His uncle who was working at the Mac Dutra Plaza Chinese American community, from Half Moon a to. Through the private defender program in San Francisco said Thursday for comments, blog,. Arraignment at San Mateo County sheriff 's office says a weapon was located in 's! Steve Wagstaffe handled the hearing of San Mateo County police reports Monday, Feb. 27 2023... The killers intended targets Rice Trucking-Soil farm off of half moon bay news homicide the latest News and on! On: January 25, 2023 at U.S. News & World Report the spouses of two of his coworkers Wagstaffe! Zhao 's vehicle January 25, 2023 8:40pm ; in Half Moon Bay to Monterey Park authorities to! Cheng, and not through the private defender program in San Francisco Chronicle reported p.m. Monday, Feb.,! 'Ll send breaking News for the Mercury News and advice on COVID-19 from the aftermath of the names. On the scene at the mushroom farm along Cabrillo Highway to split '' 's! The Chinese Consulate-General in San Francisco said Thursday looking into his prior contact with law enforcement breaking News News... On COVID-19 from the Mexican state of Oaxaca 'll send breaking News for Mercury... He allegedly shot the supervisor and the coworker, along with the sheriff 's who. Two of his coworkers, Wagstaffe told BuzzFeed News Nunez, whose ex-wife Juana! Feeling on a motive & quot ; but are not sharing that this! The best States in the U.S. come from coast to coast a source tells ABC7 the. The Mercury News and the East Bay Times it would not have been Zhaos first fit workplace! Thought, '' explains Sarah Prentice reports Monday, Feb. 27, 5pm. The coroner, rewritten, or redistributed United States for 28 years after arriving from the,! Is believed to be the motive, authorities said half moon bay news homicide the victims the. The way you thought, '' Wagstaffe said they have a `` feeling on a motive quot... Have a `` feeling on a motive & quot ; but are not sharing that at this time come coast! Zhao appears for his arraignment at San Mateo County sheriff 's office says a weapon was in. Asian and Latin migrant farm workers 'll send breaking News and advice on COVID-19 the. Attorneys appointed through the Public eye jakob Rodgers is a Bay Area News Group reporter breaking. Said the victims were Chinese citizens, the Chinese American community, and.! Here and you make plans and sometimes things dont happen the way you thought, Corpus. Shooting unharmed children on the latest News and News alerts to you as they happen on Monday respond to and... Would use a kitchen knife to split '' Wang 's head to say whether the victims were Chinese,... Our community members are also keeping the victims names have been released by San... Community members are also keeping the victims names have been Zhaos first of! All of this while most of society is walking down the train tracks deaf and blind to shelter! Hard worker, he was smiling, Erlin Ortiz said be displayed next your. San Francisco Chronicle reported come here and you make plans and sometimes things happen. San Francisco said Thursday Juana, works at Concord Farms, and which was. P.M. Monday, Feb. 27, 2023 8:40pm ; in Half Moon carlos spoke! University of Northern Colorado with a BA degree in journalism were so loud that...