Gonzales Man Sentenced to Over 19 Years in Prison for The Killing of Gonzales High School 4H Lambs

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced that

Gonzales resident Jose Jesse Marquez, age 31, was sentenced to 19 years and 4 months in

prison on June 25 by the Honorable Jennifer O’Keefe. Judge O’Keefe previously found Marquez guilty

of four counts of felony animal abuse with the use of a knife, felony resisting a police officer, and

felony burglary. Judge O’Keefe further found enhancements for a prior strike conviction, and

numerous factors in aggravation, true. These convictions constitute four strike offenses under

California’s three strikes law, ensuring that the defendant will face life behind bars if he commits

another strike.

At approximately 2:29am on February 18, 2023, the defendant rode his bicycle to the 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. Each animal, who had been raised since birth by children

at Gonzales High, had been held down and repeatedly stabbed eight to ten times in the head and

neck with such force their skulls were broken in multiple places. When contacted by law

enforcement, the defendant refused to comply with officers’ orders and threatened to commit

violence towards the officer booking him.

This case was prosecuted by the Monterey County District Attorney’s vertical prosecution unit for

crimes against animals. These crimes are not tolerated in this community and all offenders will be

fully prosecuted under the law. If you suspect animal abuse or neglect in your neighborhood, please

contact the District Attorney’s Office at 831-755-5070 or your local police department. This case

was investigated by Officers from the Gonzales Police Department, specifically Officer Miguel

Perez, Corporal Nathan Cordoba, and Sergeant Herbert Bowen. District Attorney Investigator

Rebecca Ayala conducted critical follow up investigation. The DA’s Office thanks all involved

parties for their assistance in bringing this defendant to justice.

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