Monterey County Sheriff Names Two Teens Killed in Pre-Dawn Beach Shooting

Violence on a public coastline claimed the lives of two local teenagers Monday night. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office identified the victims as 13-year-old Nathaniel Flores and 15-year-old Marco Antonio Perez, both residents of Salinas.

First, the location and timing of the incident. The shooting occurred near Moss Landing State Beach just off Highway 1 before 2 a.m. Monday. Police found the two boys dead at the scene. Two other individuals sustained injuries in the same event, though authorities have not yet released their names.

Second, the impact on the local school community. Both victims were students in the Salinas Union High School District. The district superintendent confirmed their enrollment in a statement issued Monday evening. "It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share that members of our district student community were among those who lost their lives in the tragic incident that occurred early Monday morning in Moss Landing," the superintendent wrote.

Third, the scene and ongoing investigation. Aerial footage captured red drinking cups, a cooler, and cans scattered along Jetty Road. Evidence markers were also visible at the site. Chief Park Ranger Mike Dippel from California State Parks noted that the beach closes at sunset. "We do have people that come together and have parties at this beach; it closes at sunset. So these people were here after hours," Dippel said during a Monday briefing. No arrests have been made as of Tuesday. Rangers plan to increase patrols in the area while the investigation continues.

The superintendent offered condolences to the families of the students. "Our hearts are with the student's family, friends, classmates, and all those whose lives have been touched by this devastating loss," the statement read.