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UPDATE: August 23 King City Homicide Victim Identified; Investigation Ongoing

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into a homicide that occurred early Sunday morning in King City. On Sunday, August 23, 2026, shortly after midnight, officers from the King City Police Department and deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunshots heard in the area of the Hartnell College satellite campus in King City. Responding law enforcement personnel located a person suffering from an apparent gunshot wound in the area of 2nd Street and Lynn Street. Despite emergency response efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Monterey County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office has identified the decedent as 42-year-old Omar Tellitud Chavez of King City. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is leading the homicide investigation. Detectives continue to ask anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything related to the incident to come forward. Investigators are also asking residents and businesses in the area ...
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Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is Investigating Homicide in King City that Killed 1 Person on August 23

  The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred overnight in King City. On August 23, 2026, shortly after midnight, officers from the King City Police Department and deputies from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunshots heard in the area of the Hartnell College satellite campus in King City. Responding law enforcement personnel located a person suffering from an apparent gunshot wound in the area of 2nd Street and Lynn Street. Despite emergency response efforts, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is leading the homicide investigation. Detectives are asking anyone who may have witnessed or heard anything related to the incident to contact the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are also asking residents and businesses in the area to review any surveillance, doorbell, or other video footage that may have captured activity related to the incident. Anyone with information or potent...

Affordable Spay/Neuter Surgeries and Vaccinations in South Monterey County

  Monterey County, CA - SPCA Monterey County is offering low-cost mobile spay and neuter services and vaccination events in South County, thanks to the support of our donors. Low-Cost Vaccination Event:     Friday, August 21: Patriot Park, 1351 Oak Ave, Greenfield 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, no appointment required. Available for all cats and dogs 8 weeks and older. $25 per vaccine, $25 microchips, $5 dewormer (Cash or Card accepted). The event includes Rabies, FVRCP, DAPPi vaccines, and microchips. No appointment required! Please ensure all dogs are on leashes and cats are in secure carriers. Monterey County residents only, please. Se habla español. Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics:     Thursday, August 27: King City Recreation Center, 401 Division St., King City. Appointments available now.      Thursday, September 3: Greenfield Cultural Arts Center, 215 El Camino Real, Greenfield. Appointments available now.      Thursday, September 10: King...

Undercover Operation Targeting Online Child Predators Results in 4 arrests in Monterey County on August 14 & 15

  Four men were arrested during a multi-agency undercover operation targeting individuals allegedly using the internet to seek sexual contact with minors. The proactive operation was conducted August 14–15, 2026. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco conducted the undercover online operation with assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and numerous local, state and federal law enforcement partners. During the operation, undercover investigators communicated online with individuals who allegedly sought to sexually exploit minors. Investigators identified individuals who engaged in sexually explicit communications and allegedly made arrangements to meet individuals they believed were underage for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity. When the suspects arrived at predetermined locations, they were contacted by law enforcement officers and arrested. “This operation should send a very clear message to anyone who uses the internet in an attempt to prey u...

Lofgren Announces $250,000 Federal Grant to Prevent Youth Violence in Monterey County

  SALINAS, CA  — On Tuesday, August 18 Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) announced that Monterey County has received $250,000 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Preventing Violence Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL) funding opportunity. This grant will be used to extend the Monterey County Health Department’s STRYVE Program for another year, which implements evidence-based approaches to prevent youth violence.   “One of my top priorities in Congress is ensuring that our communities are secure and healthy places to live and raise a family,” said Rep. Lofgren. “I am very glad to see that Monterey County is receiving this federal funding that will be used to continue its youth violence prevention efforts. The data shows that we’re making progress, but there is still work to be done, and we need to continue creating an environment where young people feel safe."   "As a longtime partner of the Community Alliance for Safety a...

Soledad Police Respond to Possible Residential Burglary on August 17 and Recover Loaded Firearm; 3 People Were Arrested

  At approximately 12:50 p.m. on Monday, August 17 officers with the Soledad Police Department were dispatched to the 500 block of Main Street regarding a report of a possible residential burglary in progress. Witnesses reported seeing 3 to 4 individuals jump a fence into the backyard of a residence. Upon arrival, officers located 3 individuals matching the description provided near a Little League Park. When officers attempted to contact them, all 3 fled on foot in different directions. Officers quickly apprehended 2 of the individuals in the surrounding area. while the third individual, later identified as 18-year-old Eduardo Zepeda of Soledad, fled toward the area of Dixie and Oak streets and was observed holding onto his waistband as he ran. As a precaution and due to the suspect’s actions, San Vicente Elementary School and Gabilan Elementary School were placed on secure campus status while officers searched the surrounding area. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and Greenfi...

Jury Convicts Salinas Valley State Prisoner of Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Correctional Officer

  SALINAS, California - Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on August 13 that on August 11, 2026 that 57-year-old Curtis Hemphill, was convicted by a jury of assault with a deadly weapon by a state prisoner serving a life sentence. Judge Stephanie E. Hulsey presided over the trial. On July 4, 2023, Hemphill, during afternoon recall from the recreational yard at Salinas Valley State Prison in Soledad, stabbed an on duty Correctional Officer with a 6-inch dagger style inmate manufactured weapon. Without warning, Hemphill lunged at the correctional officer and struck him in the chest, near his right arm pit. The officer suffered severe redness and bruising; fortunately, he was wearing a California Department of Rehabilitations and Correction’s issued protective vest. The jury also found true Hemphill has prior convictions for attempted murder, kidnapping, mayhem and assault with a firearm in Riverside County in 1998 and, voluntary manslaughter in Monterey C...