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John Michael Peña

Case from Watsonville, CA dated Feb 26, 2023

Victim Details

John Michael Peña

Male

Hispanic / Latino

Watsonville

CA

2023-02-26

41

John

Michael Peña

07/11/2026

Case Description

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On February 26, 2023, 41-year-old John Michael Peña was found deceased in the Pajaro River bed behind River Park in Watsonville, California. Responding to reports around noon, Watsonville Police officers discovered Peña with at least one gunshot wound. Detectives believe the shooting occurred the previous day, February 25.

The area where Peña's body was found is known to be inhabited by several dozen tents and makeshift dwellings, commonly occupied by homeless individuals. Following ...
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Links to Additional Sources (7)

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  • Santa Cruz Sentinel: Fatal weekend shooting a homicide, Watsonville police say
  • Man shot, killed in Pajaro River bed - The Pajaronian | Watsonville, CA
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    Forum Posts (3)

    Hey everyone, just wanted to talk about an angle in the John Michael Peña case that's been on my mi... ...Read More
    08/23/2023
    Hey everyone,
    I’ve been following John Michael Peña’s case since it first came to light, and... ...Read More
    06/14/2023
    Hi everyone,
    I've been following the investigation into John Michael Peña's tragic death, and so... ...Read More
    04/07/2023
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