Grand Jury Indicts Farmworker for Killing Seven People Over 0 Repair Bill
A shocking incident of violence unfolded in Half Moon Bay, California, last year, when a 66-year-old farmworker allegedly killed seven people at two mushroom farms. The motive? A 0 repair bill for farm equipment.
Arraignment Delayed
The suspect, Chunli Zha, appeared in court on Tuesday to be arraigned on seven counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder. However, his arraignment was postponed until February 29.
Zha had a confrontation with his supervisor over the repair bill, blaming his co-worker for the damage to a forklift that he was driving when it collided with the co-worker’s bulldozer. Despite Zha’s attempt to shift the blame, the supervisor insisted that he pay the bill.
A Deadly Outburst
On January 23, 2023, Zha allegedly took matters into his own hands. He went on a shooting spree at Terra Garden, killing his supervisor, two co-workers, and the wife of one of the victims. Another co-worker was injured in the attack. Zha then went to Concord Farms, where he had been fired in 2015, and fatally shot three former co-workers.
Chunli Zhao appears for his arraignment at San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City, California, on Jan. 25, 2023. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group via AP/Pool)
Legal Proceedings
Zha initially pleaded not guilty in February of last year. However, the case has been marred by delays, with a preliminary hearing not scheduled until March. Now, with the grand jury indictment, the need for a preliminary hearing has been bypassed, expediting the legal process.
According to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, the next step is for Zha to enter a plea on the grand jury indictment charges at the upcoming February hearing.
Law enforcement responds to the scene of a shooting on Jan. 23, 2023, in Half Moon Bay, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Seeking Justice
San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe expressed his understanding of the impact that delays have on the victims’ families. He explained that seeking the grand jury indictment was a way to move the case forward and provide closure for the affected individuals.
The upcoming hearing in February will mark a crucial moment in the legal proceedings, as Zha will have the opportunity to enter a plea on the charges brought forth by the grand jury indictment.
Chunli Zhao appears for his arraignment in San Mateo County Superior Court in Redwood City, California, on Jan. 25, 2023. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group via AP/Pool)
An Alleged Confession
Shortly after the killings, Zha reportedly admitted to the shootings during a jailhouse media interview. He claimed that he had been bullied and overworked during his time on the farms.
This tragic incident has shocked the community and raised important questions about workplace safety and mental health support for farmworkers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
