Gonzales Man Charged with Felony Animal Abuse for the Killing of Gonzales High School 4H Lambs in Monterey County Superior Court

 

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced that 31-year-old Jose Jesse Marquez of Gonzales was arraigned on Monday, February 27 on felony animal abuse with an allegation that the crime involved a deadly or dangerous weapon (4 counts), felony resisting a police officer, and felony burglary. He was further charged with an enhancement for a prior strike conviction and numerous factors in aggravation. The Honorable Jennifer O’Keefe agreed with the People that bail was not appropriate in this case, ensuring that the defendant will not be released into the community absent a further court order.

It is alleged that at approximately 2:29 am on Saturday, February 18, 2023, the defendant rode his bicycle to Gonzales High School and entered the property to take a tool. While there, he became upset at his mother. He approached the barn area and stabbed multiple animals belonging to the students. Two lambs died, one lamb survived, and one pig survived. When contacted by law enforcement, the defendant refused to comply with officers’ orders and threatened to commit violence towards the officer booking him. The defendant, who has a 2018 domestic violence related strike conviction, faces up to 19 years and 8 months in prison for these offenses. This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Gonzales Police Department at 831-675-5010.