KING CITY — A community prayer vigil for the families of the victims in last Sunday’s deadly mass shooting in King City will take place Thursday night at Chalone Peaks Middle School.
The vigil begins at 6 p.m. inside the multipurpose room at the school, 667 Meyer St., in King City.
“Our local faith group leaders invite you to their prayer vigil for all the families that were affected by the horrific event that occurred on Sunday,” according to the King City Police Department on social media.
On March 3 at about 6 p.m., three masked gunmen opened fire at a birthday party taking place in the front yard of a home on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, killing four residents and injuring seven others, two critically.
The four killed were identified as 32-year-old Alicia Aparicio, 32-year-old Francisco Aldape, 32-year-old Olivo Piña and 42-year-old Mario Guzman, all residents of King City.
The three male suspects, who are considered armed and dangerous, have not been identified and remain outstanding, police said. Their vehicle, a silver 2017 Kia Rio, was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County on Wednesday.
The City of King is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to their arrest and conviction.
“We continue to ask the King City community to reach out to us with any information they may have that may be related to this incident,” stated the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office in a news release Thursday. “This includes speaking to Monterey County Sheriff’s deputies, California Highway Patrol officers or King City Police officers that you may see patrolling city streets and providing information directly to them.”
Additional sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers will be visible in the King City area beginning Thursday to assist the King City Police Department, including at the vigil.
“I want to thank the Monterey County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol for their assistance with extra patrols,” said King City Police Chief James Hunt. “Tonight is a night to honor and reflect on those that lost their lives or were injured during this terrible event. The King City Police Department will be present to stand with our community and ensure that this is a peaceful and safe event for all.”
Alicia Aparicio
Aparicio, who would have turned 33 on March 6, was celebrating her birthday early by hosting a party outside her home on Sunday. A video circulating online depicts individuals enjoying themselves at the celebration prior to the shooting.
Aparicio worked as a medical assistant at Mee Memorial Hospital. She leaves behind four children and her husband, Santiago Aldape, who was also injured in the shooting but has since been discharged from the hospital.
A GoFundMe fundraiser (gofund.me/f23f92fe) has been created for her family to help pay for memorial expenses.
“Alicia was a hardworking mother, always did everything for her kids, she loved hosting events with family and friends,” the GoFundMe states. “She was an amazing person to have around, anybody that had the privilege to had known her knows how amazing of a person she was.”
Francisco Aldape
Aldape, who was the brother-in-law of Aparicio, is survived by his wife and daughter.
A GoFundMe fundraiser (gofund.me/cbd9fd9f) has been set up in his memory.
“He was loved by all and leaves a big emptiness on all of us,” the fundraiser states. “(On) behalf of the Aldape family, we would like to thank you for reaching out and asking how you guys can help. All funds will go to help with funeral expenses.”
Olivo Piña
Piña was described by family members as the “life of the party.” He leaves behind his wife and two children.
A GoFundMe fundraiser (gofund.me/66a27e3d) has been created, with all funds going toward his family to cover funeral expenses.
“He was the life of the party and he will be missed dearly,” states the GoFundMe. “We would like to thank everyone who has reached out and offered their help.”
Mario Guzman
Guzman worked at L.A. Hearne Company in San Lucas. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
A GoFundMe fundraiser (gofund.me/dd7efbff) has been set up for the Guzman family. All funds collected will go directly to the family for his funeral expenses.
“On behalf of the Guzman family, we would like to thank everyone who has offered their love and prayers as they embark on this incredibly difficult journey of grief and healing,” the fundraiser states.
Anyone with additional information about this incident can contact the following: King City Detective Sgt. Josh Partida at 831-386-5988; Monterey County Sheriff’s Detective Arras Wilson at 831-597-1225; or 1-888-78-C-R-I-M-E. Information can also be submitted anonymously via the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office webpage by going to MontereySheriff.org and selecting the “Submit a Crime Tip” tab.
“We stand with the King City Police Department and South Monterey County residents to try to bring some sense of safety back to our communities, but we also understand that there will always be a hole in our hearts for the loss that we have all suffered,” said Monterey County Sheriff Tina Nieto.
