‘Hunted down and shot and killed’: Gunmen execute 2 cousins in vineyard in case of mistaken identity, deputies say

Two cousins were hunted down and executed in a California vineyard by two men in a stolen car with guns in a case of mistaken identity, authorities said.

Jack Canchola, 20, and Andres “Chavita” Garcia, 26, were killed on Feb. 4 in Soledad, more than 100 miles south of San Francisco.

The case came to light when the victims called 911 at about 6:45 p.m. that night, saying “guys with guns” in a light-colored four-door sedan were chasing them. Authorities quickly found two vehicles that had crashed in vineyards about 50 yards off a road and discovered the victims’ bodies next to their pickup truck near a banged-up and stolen 2013 Kia Optima the gunmen abandoned. Investigators quickly surmised the shooting was a case of mistaken identity.

“Nothing in their background or history indicates that they had a criminal background or any kind of gang relation,” Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Cmdr. Michael Darlington said in a news conference seeking public help to solve the case and a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. “We think it was just a mistaken identity. And it’s a very, very tragic event that, you know, two citizens of the county now, you know, driving around, were hunted down and shot and killed.”

Detective Arras Wilson said the victims were well-known and had a great reputation in their family and church.

“This is a tragic, tragic murder,” the detective said. “It’s a loss to everyone, to the victims, their family, their church, their community.”

Miguel Garcia said his brother served his church every weekend by helping the priest, and he always made donations. He had been in a Catholic youth group and attended yearly retreats with his friends.

“And he’s a person that is always going to be remembered,” he said. “Every night and every morning, I’m so depressed and sad because I never imagined how painful this situation could be.”

Jesus Canchola said his brother didn’t let his autism get in the way.

“We always had a great laugh together,” he said. “He never let that stop him from achieving any goal he wanted. He would be friendly to everyone.”

The victims were a part of Anna Velazquez’s campaign when she ran for Soledad councilwoman in 2016 and again as mayor in 2020.

“I will miss Chavita’s gentle soul and infectious smile,” she wrote on Facebook. “I met Chavita when he was in high school, and I saw him grow into a responsible, hardworking young man who loved God, family, friends and his community. I will cherish these memories forever!”

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