Half Moon Bay, California – A tragic shooting at California Terra Gardens and Concord Farms Inc. has left the community reeling and seeking justice. The incident, which occurred on January 23, 2023, resulted in the death of seven farmworkers and one injured, leading to the arrest of a 66-year-old farmworker, Chunli Zhao, on multiple murder charges.
The victims, Pedro Felix Romero Perez and Jose Romero Perez, were tragically targeted by a coworker, leading to one death and one severe injury. In response, Pedro and the family of Jose have taken legal action against the owner of the mushroom farm, Xianmin Guan, alleging negligence in preventing the violent attack.
The lawsuit highlights the lack of adequate security measures at California Terra Gardens, exposing farmworkers to dangerous living conditions and previous violent incidents that could have been prevented. Despite prior knowledge of Zhao’s violent history, including a shooting incident at the farm months earlier, the farm’s owner failed to take necessary precautions.
In a shocking turn of events, Zhao’s violent rampage extended beyond California Terra Gardens to Concord Farms, where he took the lives of three more individuals. The shooting spree, fueled by a dispute over a minor repair bill, became the deadliest in San Mateo County’s history, prompting charges of first-degree murder against Zhao.
The legal action, spearheaded by Cotchett, Pitre, and McCarthy, LLP, seeks accountability for the devastating consequences of the shooting. The lawsuit alleges that the farm’s management had the means to prevent such tragedies but failed to secure the premises adequately, leading to the loss of innocent lives.
By shedding light on the deplorable living conditions and lack of security at California Terra Gardens, the lawsuit aims to hold responsible parties accountable for their negligence. The emotional and financial toll on the victims’ families, including Pedro’s ongoing medical treatment and inability to work, further emphasizes the need for justice to be served.
As investigations continue into the shooting and the farm’s history of violence, the legal battle for justice for the victims intensifies. The lawsuit represents a crucial step in seeking redress for the senseless loss of life and ensuring that such tragic incidents are never repeated in the future.