Photo: Madera Police Department
A man in California, identified as Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, has been accused of shooting and killing a Walgreens employee in Madera, a city located about 25 miles from Fresno. The incident occurred on Monday (March 31) around 9:30 p.m. when Fernandez allegedly entered the store with a handgun, shot out a security camera, and then fatally shot Erick Velasquez, an employee at the store.
According to Madera police, Fernandez, who expressed anger towards big pharmacies, did not know Velasquez personally. After the shooting, Fernandez reportedly fired at other employees as they fled the scene. Bystanders sheltered in place while the tragic event unfolded. Responding officers found Fernandez in the parking lot reloading his gun and took him into custody.
Fernandez appeared in court on Wednesday (April 2) and pleaded not guilty to charges of murder with a gun enhancement and attempted murder with a gun enhancement. His bail was set at $3 million, and a pre-preliminary hearing is scheduled for Friday. Madera Police Chief Giachino Chiaramonte stated that the shooting was not inspired by any previous incidents involving targeted attacks on pharmacy executives.
The pharmacy was closed at the time of the shooting, and Velasquez was not shot in the pharmacy area, Chiaramonte noted. The investigation is ongoing as the community mourns the loss of Velasquez.