A late-night shooting at a Greenfield gas station has left two people dead in what authorities believe was a targeted, gang-related ambush, sending shockwaves through communities across southern Monterey County.
The victims have been identified by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office as Aldo Juan Mandujano, 26, of King City, and Elizabeth Saavedra, 32, of Soledad. Both were fatally shot Monday night, June 22, at the Fastrip gas station located at 145 El Camino Real in Greenfield.
According to Greenfield police, officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 10:50 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered the couple inside a vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency response efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators say multiple suspects opened fire on the vehicle, unleashing dozens of rounds before fleeing in a getaway car. Surveillance footage from the gas station reportedly captured the suspects’ vehicle, and detectives are actively reviewing video evidence from both the station and citywide camera systems.
Greenfield Police Chief Guillermo Mixer stated that preliminary findings suggest the shooting was a deliberate attack possibly connected to ongoing rival gang activity in South Monterey County. Authorities are exploring whether the violence may have been carried out in retaliation for the recent killing of a Sureño gang member in neighboring Soledad. No arrests have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing.
As news of the tragedy spread, family members, friends, and community residents began sharing tributes honoring the lives of the two victims.
Elizabeth Saavedra, affectionately known throughout the community as “Liz Lady Barber,” is being remembered as a devoted mother, daughter, friend, and mentor. Her death has been particularly heartbreaking for those who knew her as a caring parent to her four-year-old twin sons, Duke and Enzo.
A memorial fundraiser established to assist with funeral expenses and support her children described Saavedra as a loving member of the Soledad community whose absence will be deeply felt. The fundraiser notes that any remaining funds after funeral costs will be set aside for her twin boys as they face life without their mother.
Meanwhile, loved ones of Aldo Juan Mandujano have also launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. Friends describe him as a cherished son, relative, and friend whose life was cut tragically short by the violence.
The deaths of Mandujano and Saavedra have renewed concerns about gang-related crime and public safety in Monterey County, where community leaders continue to call for efforts to prevent further bloodshed.
Police are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to come forward. Detectives believe witnesses or additional surveillance footage could prove critical in identifying those responsible.
As the investigation continues, the families of Aldo Juan Mandujano and Elizabeth Saavedra are left grieving an unimaginable loss. Friends and community members are remembering them not for the violence that claimed their lives, but for the love, friendships, and memories they leave behind.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Greenfield Police Department.
