Nephew of Half Moon Bay shooting victim says uncle was killed trying to stop shooter

HALF MOON BAY, California. – A memorial to the victims of the mass shooting is constantly growing in the center of Half Moon Bay.

On Wednesday night, nephew Marciano “Martin” Martinez-Jiménez said the family was spending Rosario, prayer meeting for nine days in honor of his uncle who was killed.

“He was very kind. He was a father. He was very supportive of me in everything I did. He introduced me to many things that I love to this day,” said Carlos Martinez.

He said he and his family still do not believe that his uncle was shot on Monday while working at Concord Farms by fellow farmer Chunli Zhao, 66, who was charged with seven counts of murder and one count. about attempted murder.

Officials said he was somewhat upset at work when he fired a pistol at his colleagues at two mushroom farms on Monday afternoon, killing seven of them and injuring an eighth.”

“It still doesn’t come to me. I still find it unreal, surreal,” said Carlos.

His uncle’s employee told his family that Zhao entered the workplace with a gun and that Martínez-Jiménez saw the suspect first and tried to stop him.

“He shot my uncle in the head. The worker next to him was essentially saying, “You don’t have to do this,” said Carlos Martinez. “The guy told him something like: “I have no complaints with you. I have no problem with you.” ”

Farm workers displaced by the shooting seek temporary shelter at a motel in Half Moon Bay.

Non-profit organizations and the district provide them with basic necessities such as clothing and food.

Supporters say Hispanic and Chinese farm workers have developed relationships over the years, sharing food and crossing language barriers as immigrants from different countries.

“It’s a culture coming together, living together. It’s not about dividing communities. It’s about rapprochement,” said Half Moon Bay Vice Mayor Joaquin Jimenez, who is also director of the Farm Worker Program at the nonprofit ALAS.

He said he knew and worked with the Chinese militant and victims, both Hispanic and Chinese.

“Every time we brought something to the farm. It’s for everyone,” he said.

As for the family of the Martinez-Jiménez victim, Carlos Martinez’s help, when relatives were unable to contact his uncle by phone after the shooting, rushed to the farm and learned from his colleagues that he had been killed.

“For me, it’s mostly sadness,” said Carlos Martinez. “I’m not angry. I’m just sad that my uncle got caught between what’s going on with this guy and someone else. My uncle was just trying to do his job and protect people.”

The lawyers said the farm workers were receiving mental health care at the motel where they were staying.

The city and non-profit organizations are working together to organize a large public memorial service.

ALAS established a so-called “HMB Strong Fund”. To make a donation, click here. Created by GoFundMe for Marciano “Martin” Martinez-Giminez.

Amber Lee is a reporter for KTVU. Email Amber at [email protected] or send a text/leave message to 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU.