Tragic End for Two Young Cousins: Investigation Underway After Targeted Shooting Near Watsonville

WATSONVILLE, Calif. — Tragedy struck outside Watsonville early Friday morning when two young men were discovered deceased from gunshot wounds, prompting a homicide investigation by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office. Officials reported that deputies were dispatched to the scene at approximately 12:43 a.m., following 911 calls about a shooting near 700 Carlton Road.

Upon arrival, authorities found 21-year-old cousins Jeremiah Rios Aguilera and Giovanni Aburto Lopez, both residents of Watsonville. Despite attempts to save them, both were pronounced dead at the location, marking a sorrowful moment for their family and the community.

Ashley Keehn, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, underscored the seriousness of the incident. “Ultimately, we are looking at the cold-blooded murder of two young men,” Keehn stated. The detectives have dedicated themselves to fully investigating the crime in hopes of bringing those responsible to justice.

Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting was not random. Detectives are considering the possibility of a targeted attack and are exploring leads to identify potential suspects. Keehn revealed they believe an undisclosed third party was involved, stressing the urgency of uncovering the motives behind the visit to the Carlton Road area on the night of the incident.

“Our primary quest is to ascertain the circumstances that led these young men to that specific location at such a late hour, what they were engaged in, and what precisely escalated to their untimely deaths,” Keehn explained.

The sheriff’s office declined additional comments on the victims’ backgrounds, stating that further details would be shared post the notification of their families. They have called on anyone with information related to the shooting to step forward, providing a direct line to their office at 831-471-1121 for tips that could assist in the ongoing investigation.

Community reactions have been those of shock and mourning, as local residents come to terms with the violent loss of two young lives from their midst. This incident has reignited concerns about safety and gun violence in the area, prompting discussions on community safety measures and prevention strategies.

While law enforcement continues to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome, the community holds out hope for resolution and justice for the victims and their grieving relatives. Meanwhile, the sheriff’s department remains steadfast in their commitment to uncovering the truth behind this heinous crime.