California Teen Accused of Flashing Gun Before Killing Two Boys at 100-Person Halloween Party, Prosecutors Say

CHULA VISTA, CALIFORNIA — What began as a festive Halloween celebration turned into a night of horror when an 18-year-old allegedly opened fire at a crowded house party, killing two teens who tried to defuse an argument.

David Garcia pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder with special firearm enhancements, along with negligent discharge and carrying a loaded weapon in public, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Authorities say Garcia was showing off a gun tucked into his waistband before firing multiple shots that killed 15-year-old Kane Roldan and 17-year-old Elias Yanez during the Oct. 31 party, which drew more than 100 attendees.

Prosecutors Say Gunplay Turned to Deadly Violence

According to San Diego County Deputy District Attorney Jason Yeh, Garcia had allegedly fired his weapon earlier in the evening to scare another person during a separate confrontation at the same party.

Later that night, an argument broke out between Garcia and another attendee — a friend of Roldan and Yanez. When the two teens stepped in to calm things down, Yeh said Garcia “tragically killed these two boys.”

Police believe the confrontation happened within minutes and that both victims were trying to protect their friend when Garcia pulled the trigger.

First Responders and Arrest

Officers from the Chula Vista Police Department were called to the scene around 11:17 p.m. after multiple reports of gunfire. They found the two victims suffering from critical gunshot wounds in the front yard.

Paramedics performed lifesaving measures, but both boys later died at the hospital.

Garcia was arrested the following Monday and is now being held without bond at the George Bailey Detention Facility. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 12.

Community Mourning and Victims Remembered

Friends and relatives have flooded social media with tributes to the slain teenagers, describing them as “kind, protective, and full of potential.”

Both attended local high schools in the Chula Vista area, and community members have organized candlelight vigils to honor their memory.

GoFundMe pages for Kane Roldan and Elias Yanez have raised thousands of dollars to assist their families with funeral costs.

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