Two Killed, Two Injured in Moss Landing Beach Shooting

Two people were killed and two others injured in a shooting near Moss Landing State Beach in Monterey County early on November 2. Deputies and detectives responded to the scene along Jetty Road, near State Route 1 on California’s Central Coast, after reports of gunfire shortly before 2 a.m.

Fire crews located two victims with chest gunshot injuries. Both died at the scene, according to North County Fire Protection Chief Jess Cortez. One other person was taken to a hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening; a fourth person also arrived at a hospital with a gunshot wound.

Authorities have not disclosed the victims’ identities or ages, or identified a suspect or motive. Investigators were working to establish what happened and whether the people involved knew one another. Officials had not determined whether the incident would be treated as a homicide.

The beach and Jetty Road were closed while investigators processed the scene. The beach was later reopened. Officials reported no continuing danger to the local community and urged anyone with relevant details to reach out to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

California State Parks Chief Park Ranger Mike Dippel said the people involved had been at the beach after its sunset closing time. Investigators also examined another location nearby as a precaution, but had not determined whether it was connected to the shooting.