Jose Javier Trujillo was 21 when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in King City, California, on October 18, 2011. A lifelong Monterey County resident who graduated King City High School in 2008, he worked at a local McDonald’s and was remembered for his friendly demeanor and commitment to family and work.

Local investigators determined his death was the result of a violent crime. Authorities later charged two relatives, Pedro Trujillo and his nephew Jose Andres Trujillo, with premeditated murder, attempted murder and related offenses, including shooting at an inhabited dwelling and discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle. Both pleaded not guilty; a jury convicted them on the substantive charges while rejecting some enhancement allegations. Appeals and claims of instructional error followed and most convictions were affirmed.

The case drew attention to gang-related violence and its impact on the community. If anyone knew Jose or has information about the events leading to that night, please come forward.