Monterey County District Attorney’s Office Forms New Unit to Identify and Rectify Wrongful Convictions

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, July 26 that she formed a new unit specializing in identifying and remedying wrongful convictions. The Conviction Review Unit (CRU) will examine all plausible claims of innocence and of conviction due to false material evidence. For claims that merit review, the CRU will conduct a detailed investigation. If the investigation indicates that a wrongful conviction has taken place, the District Attorney’s Office will make every effort within its power to achieve justice. District Attorney Pacioni commented that “The most important duty of a prosecutor is not to obtain convictions, rather it is to pursue truth and justice. That duty extends beyond the date of conviction, and it will be the mission of the CRU to ensure justice for those who claim to have been wrongfully convicted.” Although undoing a wrongful conviction has always been a prosecutor’s duty, in the past, other than the appellate process no local resources were devoted exclusively to this goal. The CRU will formalize and standardize the practice of reviewing and investigating innocence claims. The unit will rely on applicants who bring cases to the unit’s attention. Directions and claim forms are posted on the District Attorney’s website and will also be provided by request by emailing CRU@monterey.ca.us.

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Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau. Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass. CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered. The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Josh Partida 831-3

Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time. Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department Crime Scene Unit

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