SOLEDAD, Calif. — The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office addressed the community at a press conference on Thursday to provide an update on a recent double murder near Greenfield. The victims, identified as cousins, were tragically killed while spending time by the Salinas River at 41000 Los Coches Rd. The victims, Andres “Chavita” Garcia, 26, and Jack Canchola, 20, both from Soledad, were confronted by at least two suspects, leading to a fatal confrontation.
According to investigators, the cousins attempted to flee the suspects in their pickup truck but were chased into a vineyard where they ultimately lost their lives. The sheriff’s office described the murders as “execution-style” and emphasized that the victims were trying to avoid a confrontation, suggesting that it was a case of mistaken identity. This theory was supported by the fact that there was no evidence of gang affiliation or criminal background in the victims’ history.
One of the victims, Andres “Chavita” Garcia, was known for his kindness and commitment to the community. His brother, Miguel Garcia, shared that Andres served at the church every weekend, making donations and helping the priest. The other victim, Jack Canchola, was a beloved member of the church and a high-functioning person with autism, according to his brother, Jesus Canchola.
The devastating impact of the loss was evident as Miguel Garcia expressed his ongoing depression and sadness, unable to fathom the pain of the situation. Jesus Canchola also reflected on the close bond shared by the three cousins, emphasizing their positive influence and strong work ethic. In response to the tragic event, an anonymous donor has offered a $10,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest in the case.
The sheriff’s office is actively seeking leads to identify and apprehend the suspects, emphasizing the importance of community support in bringing justice to the victims and their families. The harrowing incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence, as law enforcement continues to work diligently to bring closure to the case.