SOLEDAD — Community members across South Monterey County are mourning the loss of Elizabeth Saavedra, a Soledad mother, business owner and folklórico instructor remembered for her leadership and commitment to local youth.
Saavedra, 32, was one of two victims killed in a shooting Monday night at a Greenfield gas station. The second victim was identified as her boyfriend, Aldo Juan Mandujano, 26, of King City.
Greenfield police continue to investigate the double homicide, which has been described as a targeted attack involving rival gang members. (Other media reports citing law enforcement sources have linked Mandujano to a gang but not Saavedra.)
As news of her death spread Tuesday, tributes poured in from around the region, highlighting the many roles Saavedra played in the community.
“Our hearts are broken by the tragic and senseless loss of Elizabeth Saavedra,” Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez wrote in a statement shared on social media.
Velazquez described Saavedra as a business owner, devoted mother, daughter, friend and community leader who grew up in Soledad. Through Baile Folklórico Costa de California, a nonprofit dance team from Salinas Valley, she shared her passion for Mexican culture by teaching generations of children the beauty of folklórico dance.
“She welcomed everyone with a warm smile and a heartfelt hug, leaving a lasting impact on so many lives,” Velazquez said.
Her commitment to serving others, Velazquez added, reflected the example set by her father, former Soledad Mayor John Saavedra. In addition to her work with Baile Folklórico Costa de California, Saavedra worked as a local barber.
Velazquez said the loss has been devastating to the community.
“Please keep the Saavedra family, and everyone affected by this tragedy in your prayers,” she added. “May Elizabeth rest in peace, and may her family find strength and comfort in the love and support of our community.”
Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez also reflected on the impact of Saavedra’s death.
“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. “We pray for those she leaves behind and promise to do all we can so that cycles break and perpetrators meet justice.”
A fundraiser organized on behalf of Saavedra’s family describes her as “a loving mother, daughter, friend, maestra, and member of the Soledad Community.” Organizers said she leaves behind 4-year-old twin sons, Duke and Enzo.
Funds raised through the campaign will be used for funeral expenses and to support her children. As of Wednesday, the fundraiser had raised $7,990 toward its $16,000 goal. The fundraiser can be found at gofundme.com/f/support-for-elizabeths-memorial-and-her-twins.
Community members have also rallied around Mandujano’s family following the tragedy.
According to a fundraiser organized by relatives, Mandujano had been working to build his own pressure-washing company and was excited to begin a new chapter in his career. Organizers remembered him as someone who was always cracking jokes and making people laugh, as well as a caring brother, cousin and friend.
The fundraiser established to help cover funeral and burial expenses had raised $1,830 toward its $5,500 goal as of Wednesday. The campaign is available at gofundme.com/f/support-aldo-mandujanos-funeral-memorial.
Greenfield police have said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and pursuing several leads into the June 22 incident at the Fastrip Gas Station on El Camino Real. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the department at 831-385-8311.
