On October 4, 2024, at approximately 12:43 a.m., Santa Cruz County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a shooting on the 700 block of Carlton Road, an agricultural area near Watsonville, California. Upon arrival, they discovered two 21-year-old men, identified as cousins Jeremiah Rios Aguilera and Giovanni Aburto Lopez, both suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Sheriff's Office has classified the incident as a "targeted attack" and is actively investigating to identify the suspect or suspects involved. Detectives are exploring the circumstances that led Aguilera and Lopez to be in that specific area during the early morning hours. They are conducting interviews and reviewing surveillance footage to piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives working diligently to uncover any leads. The Sheriff's Office has urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward, emphasizing that even seemingly minor details could be crucial in solving the crime.
The deaths of Aguilera and Lopez have deeply affected the Watsonville community, with family and friends mourning the loss of two young lives. Memorials have been established, and community members have gathered to pay their respects. Authorities continue to appeal to the public for assistance, hoping that community involvement will aid in bringing those responsible to justice.
