Motive still unclear in fatal Covelo shooting

Mendocino County sheriff’s officials on Wednesday continued to investigate potential motive for a fatal shooting in a Covelo medical marijuana garden.

The suspect, John Ross, 66, and victim, Alejandro Garcia, 33, knew each other, but how well and in what capacity is unclear, said sheriff’s Lt. Shannon Barney.

Ross resided about a half mile from Garcia, who was initially listed as a Ukiah resident but who had been living with his longtime girlfriend on the rural Refuse Road property where he was killed. Barney did not divulge the name of the girlfriend.

He said a motive has not yet been determined but investigators don’t believe the shooting had anything to do with the fenced pot garden where Garcia was shot multiple times.

The garden was being cultivated within county guidelines for medical pot, which allows up to 25 plants per parcel, according to sheriff’s officials.

“We do not believe it was marijuana-related at this time,” Barney said.

The shooting occurred just before 7 p.m. Monday. Several people reported the shooting and identified Ross as the suspect, sheriff’s officials said. One followed Ross but stopped after Ross fired his weapon in their direction.

Barney declined to reveal what type of firearm was used to kill Garcia.

Ross is being held without bail in Mendocino County Jail on a charge of murder, being armed with a firearm, assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a felon. Ross has a criminal history but primarily from outside of the county, Barney said. He did not have details.

Barney asked that anyone with information about the shooting contact the Sheriff’s Office.

You can reach ?Staff Writer Glenda Anderson at 462-6473 or glenda.anderson@press democrat.com. On Twitter?@MendoReporter.