Seven people are dead, and one is critically injured after a shooting near Highway 92 in Half Moon Bay, California.
In a press conference, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office announced that the suspect, 66-year-old Half Moon Bay resident, Zhao Chunli, was in custody as of 4:40 p.m. on Monday, Jan 23. According to Sheriff Christina Corpus, there’s no longer any threat to the community, as Chunli was the only suspect.
Police were first alerted of the shooting at Mountain Mushroom Farm at 2:22 p.m. This farm had employed Chunli, and most of the victims were his coworkers. The aftermath at this location included four dead and one fatally injured.
Later, three more victims were found dead at a separate location about three miles away.
Chunli was found and apprehended in his car with a semi-automatic handgun in front of a Half Moon Bay police station. According to District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, he is suspected to have been turning himself in.
Authorities are still investigating Chunli’s weapon. He did not have proper registration for his gun despite his claims that he bought it legally.
According to Wagstaffe, Chunli has been open and honest while talking to authorities.
“We have no reason not to believe him. We think he was open and candid with law enforcement in his description of what he did,” Wagstaffe said.
While in custody, Chunli reported his coworkers picked on him prior to the incident. Chunli and one of his coworkers drove the farm’s forklift and a bulldozer when they collided on the day of the shootings. According to Wagstaffe, the supervisor told Chunli he would have to pay $100 for the damages. Chunli was unhappy because he didn’t think it was his fault.
Chunli had a clear motive for his crimes, which led him to be particular with his victims.
“There were people who he walked by and did not shoot. He was being selective in his shooting,” Wagstaffe said.
Chunli is currently in the San Mateo County Maguire Correctional Facility, according to a press release from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office on Jan 24. He is facing seven counts of first-degree murder and one count of first-degree attempted murder.
The FBI, Sheriff’s Office, and other assisting outside agencies continue investigating the crime.
*This is a breaking news story. The article will be updated with more information.
*Updated Jan. 23 at 8:08 p.m. PST
*Updated Jan. 24 at 8:33 p.m. PST. The story now reflects the current status of the suspect.
*Updated Feb. 6 at 2:06 p.m. PST
