Two teenage boys have been identified as the victims of a deadly shooting near a popular California beach that left two people dead and two others injured.

The victims were identified as 15-year-old Marco Antonio Perez and 13-year-old Nathaniel Flores, both from Salinas, California. Their identities were confirmed by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, November 3, as investigators continued working to establish exactly what happened.

Authorities said deputies responded to reports of gunfire near Moss Landing State Beach shortly before 2 a.m. on Monday, November 2. When officers arrived along Jetty Road, they discovered two people suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Two additional victims were also injured. One was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening, while another arrived at a local hospital after being shot. Their identities and medical conditions have not been publicly disclosed.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear. During a news conference, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Commander Andres Rosas stressed that investigators had not yet determined whether the deaths should be classified as homicides, suicides or another type of incident.

Authorities also said they were examining whether a gathering or party in the area was connected to the gunfire. Moss Landing State Beach normally closes at sunset, but the entrance gate was reportedly open when the shooting occurred.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the local school community. Salinas Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Zandra Jo Galvan confirmed that both victims were students within the district.

In a message to families, she expressed profound sadness over the deaths and extended condolences to the boys’ relatives, classmates and friends. The district also announced that counseling and emotional support services would be made available to students and staff struggling with the loss.

Nathaniel Flores was also involved in youth football and cheerleading activities with the Steinbeck Tigers organization. A fundraiser established to support his family described him as a beloved member of the team whose unexpected death had devastated his teammates, coaches and the wider community.

The organization revealed that Nathaniel had been preparing to celebrate his 14th birthday just days after the shooting.

Meanwhile, investigators continue to gather evidence and seek information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident. No arrests have been announced, and officials have not established a motive.

Police emphasized that they do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the surrounding community. However, many questions remain unanswered as two young families face the devastating loss of their children.

Source:  DAILYMAIL