The family of a man who was killed in a Northern California mass shooting and his brother, who was injured in the attack, have filed two lawsuits against a mushroom farm and one of its owners. The incident took place in January 2023 at California Terra Garden, Inc. in Half Moon Bay, where Jose Perez, 38, and his brother Pedro Perez, 24, were working and living.
The lawsuits allege that suspected gunman Chunli Zhao fatally shot Jose Perez and six others, injuring Pedro Perez in the process. Zhao has been charged with seven counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted murder, pleading not guilty to the charges.
The family of Jose Perez is suing the owners of California Terra Garden, Inc. and its owner Xianmin Guan for wrongful death and survival action. Pedro Perez is also filing a separate lawsuit, claiming negligence on the part of the farm's owners.
The lawsuits claim that the farm's owners provided deplorable living conditions and failed to adequately secure their premises against foreseeable criminal acts. Pedro Perez, who was shot multiple times during the incident, expressed his ongoing physical and emotional struggles, emphasizing the loss of his brother and their close bond.
The family, represented by attorney Duffy Magilligan, is seeking compensation for the victims, although no specific amount has been mentioned. Magilligan highlighted the importance of ensuring safety in one's home and emphasized the violation of rights experienced by the Perez brothers.
California Terra Garden, Inc. and Concord Farms Inc., where the shootings occurred, were previously cited for multiple occupation safety and health violations, including a lack of measures to address workplace violence and notify employees of active shooter situations.
Chunli Zhao is awaiting trial and is expected to appear in court soon. The source has reached out to the relevant parties for comment on the lawsuits.
