Monterey County Sheriff's Office Hosts Press Conference on February 22 Regarding Double Homicide Incident in Soledad on February 4

On Thursday, February 22 the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office hosted a press conference to provide additional details into the ongoing investigation of a double homicide that occurred on February 4, 2024. The incident occurred on the 41000 block of Los Coches Road in Soledad.

Commander M. Darlington summarized the details of the incident by stating that on February 4 at about 6:45 pm, CHP officers and MCSO deputies had been dispatched to a report of a subject calling 911 who was reporting he was being chased by “suspects with guns.” Two vehicles were located in the area of the 41000 block of Los Coches Drive in an agricultural field. Two victims were located next to one of the vehicles. Both were suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts being provided, both victims were declared dead at the scene.

The victims were identified as 20-year-old Jack Canchola and 26-year-old Andres Garcia, cousins, who were from Soledad.

Detective A. Wilson stated that it is believed there were at least two suspects based on the 911 call made in which our victim stated there were “suspects with guns.” One of the vehicles located at the scene, believed to have been driven by the suspects, was found to have been reported stolen from a location on the Monterey Peninsula 4 days prior to the homicide. A search for the suspects was conducted but they were able to get away.

Miguel Garcia, brother of Andres Garcia stated that his brother was a person that was kind to the community and involved with his church. He added that he was a good person who never participated in any gangs. Jesus Canchola, brother of Jack Canchola said that his brother was a hard worker. He shared that his brother was high functioning autistic who was very outgoing and never let this stop him from achieving any goal he wanted. He was known for making friends with everybody.

Commander Darlington stated it is believed this is an incident of mistaken identity. There was nothing to indicate that Canchola or Garcia were involved in any type of criminal or gang activity.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to the community for any information that can help solve this crime. A $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of the suspects responsible for this crime. Information can be provided anonymously by going to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office web page, MontereySheriff.Org and selecting “Submit a Crime Tip.” You can also contact lead detective Arras Wilson at 831-597-1225.

The full press conference including all statements made by detectives and by family of the victims is available on the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

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