Elizabeth Saavedra, 32, is being remembered as a mother, barber, dance instructor and community leader.
GREENFIELD, CA — A Soledad mother of 4-year-old twins and daughter of a former mayor was killed with her boyfriend Monday night in a shooting at a Greenfield gas station, police and local officials said.
Elizabeth Saavedra, 32, of Soledad, and Aldo Juan Mandujano, 26, of King City, died after gunfire erupted June 22 at the Fastrip Gas Station at 145 El Camino Real. Greenfield police are investigating the case as a double homicide and said detectives are reviewing video from the business and city camera systems. No arrests had been announced by Thursday.
Police said officers were called at about 10:50 p.m. Monday and that the first officer reached the scene 53 seconds after the first 911 call. Detectives took over the investigation soon after. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner Office later identified the two victims. Greenfield police said camera footage from the gas station, Flock cameras and the city’s Surveillance Grid had given investigators significant leads. “Our thoughts remain with their families and loved ones during this difficult time,” the department said in a Tuesday update.
Authorities have not released a full account of what happened before the shooting, how many people opened fire or whether any vehicle has been tied to the case. Police Chief Guillermo Mixer told local media that dozens of rounds were fired and that investigators believed gang motives were a primary driver. Mixer said Mandujano was a Norteño gang member from King City. Officials and other local reports have not described Saavedra as a gang member. Police said there was no known ongoing threat to the public, but investigators still wanted to speak with several people who were at the gas station when the shooting happened.
Saavedra’s death brought grief across South Monterey County, where she was known through several parts of community life. Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez said Saavedra grew up in Soledad and was a business owner, devoted mother, daughter, friend and community leader. Velazquez said Saavedra taught children about Mexican culture through Baile Folklórico Costa de California, a nonprofit dance group in the Salinas Valley. “She welcomed everyone with a warm smile and a heartfelt hug, leaving a lasting impact on so many lives,” Velazquez said.
Velazquez also said Saavedra’s public service reflected the example set by her father, former Soledad Mayor John Saavedra. In addition to her work with the dance group, Saavedra worked as a barber and was known to some as “Liz Lady Barber.” A family fundraiser described her as a loving mother, daughter, friend, teacher and member of the Soledad community. Organizers said she leaves behind twin sons, Duke and Enzo, who are 4. As of Wednesday, the fundraiser had raised more than $12,000 toward funeral expenses and support for the boys.
Mandujano’s relatives also began raising money for funeral and burial costs. In that fundraiser, family members said he had been working to build his own pressure-washing company and was excited to begin a new chapter in his career. They described him as a brother, cousin and friend who often joked and made others laugh. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner Office identified him as a King City resident. Police have not said whether Mandujano was the intended target, and they have not said whether Saavedra was targeted or caught in the gunfire.
The shooting came amid concern about gang violence in South Monterey County. Mixer told local media that investigators were looking at possible retaliation connected to the recent killing of a Sureño gang member in Soledad. Police have not released evidence tying a named suspect to that theory. The department said surveillance footage has helped the case move forward, but investigators believe witnesses may have seen or heard details that cameras did not capture. The inquiry remains in the evidence-gathering stage.
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez said Saavedra’s death left a painful mark on the region. “We mourn the loss of life, the loss of passion, warmth, a mother, a daughter and a heartbeat full of more to give,” Lopez wrote. The dance group where Saavedra taught also posted a tribute Wednesday, saying, “We are going to miss you very much.” The public remembrances focused on her work with children, her role in preserving cultural dance and the family she leaves behind.
Greenfield police had not announced charges by Thursday and said detectives were continuing to review footage, follow leads and identify witnesses. The next major step in the case is any update from investigators on suspects, arrests or a confirmed motive.
Author note: Last updated June 25, 2026.