Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two teenagers killed in a shooting at Moss Landing State Beach early Monday morning as Nathaniel Flores, 13, and Marco Antonio Perez, 15, both of Salinas.
The incident occurred just after midnight on November 2, 2026, along Jetty Road, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. Deputies and detectives responded to the scene where they found multiple fatalities and casualties. Both Flores and Perez were pronounced dead at the scene.
Flores was a member of the Steinbeck Tigers Youth Football team, and the organization launched a GoFundMe to help his family with funeral and memorial expenses. "His unexpected passing has left his family, teammates, coaches, and our entire Steinbeck community heartbroken," reads a tribute on the fundraiser page.
Two other individuals sustained injuries in the shooting, which took place during a beach party. One victim was transported to a local hospital, while the fourth victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting, identified any suspects, or confirmed if the victims knew each other.
Military County Sheriff’s Cmdr. Andy Rosas stated Monday that investigators had no information about a suspect but assured residents that there was no ongoing threat to the community. The sheriff's office has not released further details beyond identifying the deceased.
The Salinas Union High School District acknowledged the tragedy in a letter to district families, confirming that the deceased were students within their district and extending condolences to their families and classmates.
California State Parks Police closed Jetty Road and Moss Landing State Beach at the request of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office following the incident. Photos from the scene showed debris scattered across the sand.