Half Moon Bay, California – A lawsuit has been filed against the owner of mushroom farms in Half Moon Bay where a tragic mass shooting took place, resulting in the death of seven farmworkers last year. The family of one of the slain workers, Jose, and his brother, Pedro Felix Romero Perez, who survived the shooting after being shot five times, has taken legal action against Xianmin Guan of California Terra Garden, Inc. The lawsuit alleges that the farm failed to adequately protect its tenants from violent acts by third parties.
The legal action comes as a response to the devastating events of January 23, 2023, when Chunli Zhao, an employee at the farms, carried out the shooting, killing four workers and injuring a fifth at California Terra Garden. Zhao then proceeded to another farm a few miles away, where he killed three more workers. It has been revealed that Zhao had a history of violence, and a previous shooting incident had occurred on the property in July 2022.
According to statements from attorneys representing the family, California Terra Garden lacked a sufficient plan to ensure the safety of its workers from potential violence. The law firm Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy has expressed grave concern over the negligence of the farm in protecting its employees, particularly migrant workers like Pedro and Jose, who faced harsh working and living conditions.
Attorney Nabilah Hossain highlighted the failure of California Terra Gardens to prioritize the safety of essential workers, emphasizing the need for better protection against various dangers. In response to these alarming revelations, the family’s legal representatives are organizing a press conference to announce the lawsuits against Xianmin Guan and California Terra Garden, Inc. This event is scheduled to take place at 11 a.m. on Friday at 604 Main St., Suite G, Half Moon Bay.