KING CITY, Calif. — Three individuals accused of involvement in a series of violent shootings that resulted in six deaths and seven injuries in South Monterey County will stand trial following a recent ruling from the court. The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office announced the decision after a preliminary hearing conducted over a week in late October 2025.
The defendants—Pedro Nava, Jonathan Cervantes, and Angel Evans—are believed to have orchestrated the murders of two cousins in February 2024, before executing a mass shooting at a birthday celebration in King City weeks later. The shocking incidents have stirred community concern and demand for justice.
During the hearing, the judge determined that sufficient evidence existed to proceed with the case against the accused. The prosecution alleges that Nava orchestrated the murders, while both Cervantes and Evans participated in committing these violent acts. At just 17 years old at the time of the crimes, Evans is cited by authorities as being heavily involved in facilitating the attacks.
The criminal charges facing the trio include multiple counts of first-degree murder connected to both the initial attack on the cousins and the later shooting at the King City gathering. In total, authorities have charged them with two counts of murder related to the Feb. 4 incident and four counts stemming from the March 3 shooting. The case also includes allegations of conspiracy, attempted murder, and what officials characterize as “street terrorism.”
In addition to the murder charges, Evans and Cervantes are facing various related accusations, including robbery and firearm-related offenses. Some of these activities occurred after the defendants allegedly stole vehicles in the Monterey Peninsula area to facilitate their criminal undertakings.
A description of the events leading up to the shootings paints a troubling picture. After robbing a local retail store for ammunition, the group purportedly targeted their rivals, resulting in the tragic deaths of cousins Jack Canchola and Andres Garcia near Soledad. The victims reportedly sustained numerous injuries from gunfire.
The violence escalated on March 3, 2024, when it is alleged that the defendants opened fire at a family event in King City, killing four individuals and injuring seven others. Witness reports indicated that the attack involved multiple firearms, including at least one automatic weapon, adding to the horror of the event.
As the trial prepares to move forward, the community remains vigilant, grappling with the aftereffects of the tragedies. A sense of grief and a desire for peace have been expressed widely, with efforts underway to honor the victims and reflect on the impact of gun violence. The arraignment for the three defendants is set for December 4, 2025, a date that many in the community hope will bring renewed steps toward justice and healing.