Half Moon Bay, California – A tragic mass shooting at a mushroom farm has left one survivor, Pedro Romero Perez, seeking justice and compensation for the physical and emotional trauma he endured. The attack, which resulted in the death of seven individuals, including Perez’s brother, occurred on January 23, 2023, at California Terra Garden and Concord Farms in Half Moon Bay.
Perez, who sustained five gunshot wounds during the incident, has filed a lawsuit against California Terra Garden and its owner, Xianmin Guan, alleging negligence in providing a safe work environment. Additionally, another lawsuit has been initiated on behalf of Jose Romero Perez’s wife, Marciana Rodriguez Roque, for the wrongful death of her husband, highlighting the devastating impact of the shooting on multiple families.
The lawsuits shed light on the harsh working conditions endured by migrant farmworkers at these farms, with attorneys emphasizing the need for accountability and fair treatment of these vulnerable communities. The legal proceedings, filed in San Mateo County’s superior court, accuse the farm’s owner of failing to implement adequate measures to protect employees from potential violence, leading to the tragic outcome on that fateful day in January.
Law enforcement responded to the shooting at both farm locations, uncovering a heartbreaking scene of casualties and injuries. The incident, which occurred just days after another mass shooting in Monterey Park, brought attention to the substandard living conditions faced by workers like the Perez brothers. It was revealed that Pedro and his peers resided in shipping containers lacking basic amenities such as insulation and running water.
Following the shooting, an investigation by the California Division of Occupational Health and Safety cited California Terra Garden and Concord Farms for multiple violations, including the absence of active-shooter protocols. Despite prior security incidents on the farm and concerning behavior from the alleged shooter, the plaintiffs’ attorneys argue that the owner failed to address the threat adequately.
As the legal process unfolds, the attorneys representing Perez and Roque are calling for accountability and improved standards within the agricultural industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The lawsuits serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of all workers, particularly those in vulnerable and marginalized communities.