Two teenage boys were identified as the victims in a mass shooting at a California beach — including a football player just days before his birthday.
Nathaniel Flores, 13, and Marco Antonio Perez, 15, both of Salinas, were killed near Moss Landing just before 2 a.m. Monday, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. Two others were also injured in the shooting.
Nathaniel Flores, 13, was identified as one of two high school students killed in an overnight shooting near Moss Landing State Beach in Monterey County. GOFUNDME
Monterey County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Andres Rosas stated that the agency’s latest updated only identified the deceased and that “there is no additional information at this time.”
The California Post contacted the sheriff’s office for further comment.
Flores played for the Steinbeck Tigers Youth Football team, which announced that he would have turned 14 on Friday.
Flores played for the Steinbeck Tigers Youth Football team. GOFUNDME
“It is with profound sadness that the Steinbeck Tigers Youth Football & Cheer organization mourns the heartbreaking loss of one of our own, Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Flores,” read a description on GoFundMe campaign launched by the organization.
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“His unexpected passing has left his family, teammates, coaches, and our entire Steinbeck community heartbroken.”
Money raised through the fundraiser will help cover funeral and memorial expenses.
The Steinbeck Tigers Youth Football team. GOFUNDME
“While nothing can take away the pain of losing Nate, we hope to ease some of the burdens his family now faces and remind them that they are surrounded by a community that cares,” the description added.
Both Flores and Perez were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third victim was taken to a local hospital, police said. The fourth victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also hospitalized.
Photos from the scene showed red plastic cups and other trash scattered across the sand following a gathering at the state beach..
During a press conference Monday, authorities did not disclose a possible motive, identify any suspects or say whether the victims knew one another.
Rosas said Monday that investigators had no information about a suspect but assured residents there was no ongoing threat to the community.
He said deputies responded to Jetty Road near State Route 1, roughly halfway between Monterey and Santa Cruz.
The Salinas Union High School District announced two high school students were killed in an overnight shooting near Moss Landing State Beach. KRON 4
North County Fire Protection Chief Jess Cortez told KTVU Monday that both victims who died had suffered gunshot wounds to the chest.
Authorities cleared the scene around 2:40 a.m., the outlet reported.
In a statement Monday, the sheriff’s office said: “Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives are currently on scene of a shooting that occurred just after midnight on November 2, 2026, along Jetty Road in Moss Landing.
“There are multiple fatalities and casualties confirmed. California State Parks Police have closed Jetty Road and Moss Landing State Beach at the request of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.”
In a letter to families in the Salinas Union High School District, Superintendent Dr. Zandra Jo Galvan addressed the tragedy.
The teenage boys were reportedly students in the school district.
Two Salinas Union High School District students were killed in an overnight shooting near Moss Landing State Beach in Monterey County. KRON 4
“Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all those whose lives have been touched by this devastating loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the families as they navigate an unimaginable time of grief,” Galvan said.
State Sen. John Laird also issued a statement about the shooting.
“Over the weekend, there were numerous reports of shooting deaths across the country. This unspeakable horror has also hit home on the Central Coast, with reports of multiple fatalities just after midnight today in Moss Landing,” he said. “The pain and suffering of all those impacted is impossible to measure, and my heart goes out to everyone.”
Assemblymember Dawn Addis also commented.
“My heart is with those who are affected by this heinous violence. We must continue to work to end gun violence, and I am committed to doing so,” she said. “As the family and our community mourn, I thank the Monterey County Sheriff and all who responded at this time of need. Our team has been in contact with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and are here to help.”
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