Pedro Felix Romero Perez, a survivor of the tragic mass shooting that occurred in Half Moon Bay, California, is seeking justice for himself, his deceased brother, and farmworkers across the nation. The shooting, which took place on January 23, 2023, resulted in the loss of four lives and left Pedro with debilitating injuries.
Pedro, along with his brother Jose Romero Perez, had migrated from Mexico to Half Moon Bay in pursuit of a better life for their family. However, their dreams were shattered when Chunli Zhao, their coworker, carried out the deadliest mass shooting in San Mateo County’s history. Pedro and Jose were the first victims of the shooting, with Pedro surviving five gunshot wounds.
The lawsuit, filed by Cotchett, Pitre and McCarthy, LLP, alleges that California Terra Garden, the farm where the shooting occurred, could have prevented the tragedy by adequately securing their premises against foreseeable criminal acts. The lawsuit also highlights the deplorable living conditions endured by the farmworkers, including sleeping in trailers with plywood floors and using makeshift wood-burning stoves for cooking.
The lawsuit further claims that the farm’s owner, Xianmin Guan, failed to take action to secure the farm despite being aware of Zhao’s violent history and a previous shooting incident at the farm. In July 2022, a former manager, Martin Medina, broke into a farmworker’s trailer and fired a shot that narrowly missed occupants. Shockingly, one of the individuals occupying the trailer at the time was among the seven victims killed in the 2023 shooting.
The lawsuit aims to hold California Terra Garden accountable for violating the rights of Pedro and Jose Perez, not only by providing substandard living conditions but also by failing to create a safe environment for their tenants. The attorneys representing Pedro emphasize that everyone has the right to feel safe in their homes and that the case extends beyond the individual incident, seeking to address the broader issue of unsafe and inhumane conditions faced by farmworkers across the state and nation.
Support for local farmworkers has primarily come from ALAS, a nonprofit organization focused on providing services to immigrant and farmworker residents. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, the executive director of ALAS, highlighted the dire living conditions faced by farmworkers and the need for improved rights and equity. She commended local, state, and federal officials, including San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller and U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, for their recent support in advocating for better housing for farmworkers.
While progress has been made, both Cotchett and Hernandez-Arriaga agree that more state and federal action is necessary to bring about meaningful change, particularly in addressing housing needs. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for economic losses related to Jose’s death and Pedro’s injuries, which have required multiple surgeries and rendered him unable to work.
3 Responses
As a blog commenter, I commend Pedro Felix Romero Perez for his bravery and determination in seeking justice for himself, his deceased brother, and farmworkers across the nation. It is truly inspiring to see someone turn their personal tragedy into a catalyst for change.
In light of this post, my personal goal is to raise awareness about the challenges faced by farmworkers and advocate for their rights. I plan to educate myself about the issues they face, such as unsafe working conditions, low wages, and lack of access
“Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.” – Benjamin Franklin
This quote resonates with the post because it highlights the importance of collective action and empathy in seeking justice. Pedro Felix Romero Perez’s quest for justice is not just for himself and his deceased brother, but for all farmworkers across the nation who may face similar tragedies. Benjamin Franklin’s quote reminds us that justice cannot be achieved unless everyone, even those who may not be directly affected, stands
1. Raise awareness: Share Pedro Felix Romero Perez’s story and the tragic mass shooting incident on social media platforms, blogs, or any other relevant platforms. By spreading the word, you can help raise awareness about the incident and the need for justice.
2. Support survivors: Reach out to Pedro Felix Romero Perez and other survivors of the mass shooting to offer your support. Encourage them to share their stories and provide a safe space for them to express their feelings and experiences.
3. Advocate for gun