Police: Suspect in deadly Madera Walgreens shooting had a personal vendetta against pharmacies

MADERA, Calif. — A man walked into a Walgreens in California and killed an employee because police say he had a grudge against large pharmacies.

According to Madera Police Chief Gino Chiaramonte, Narciso Gallardo Fernandez walked into the store and shot Erick Velasquez, resulting in his death. Reports suggest that this act of violence was spontaneous, with no evident connection between the two individuals as confirmed by the authorities.

Surveillance footage, acquired by ABC30 Action News in Fresno, showed the suspect, Gallardo Fernandez, entering the store and brandishing his gun towards the camera. In the video, he can be seen mouthing unintelligible words before aiming at the camera and firing a shot, destroying it.

Fernandez allegedly shot at other employees and customers as they left the store. No one else was hit.

Chief Chiaramonte mentioned that the perpetrator, Fernandez, traveled a distance of over 80 miles from Pixley to the Cleveland Avenue store. He arrived at the scene slightly past 9:30 p.m. local time on Monday, indicating a premeditated nature to the violent incident.

Fernandez was taken into custody outside the store in the parking lot, which was captured in police body camera footage. Detectives say he was reloading his gun when officers arrived.

When interviewed by Madera police, the chief said that Fernandez told them he hates big pharmacies.

However, Chiaramonte added they have not yet found any connection between that hatred and the broader healthcare system and did not see this as inspired by Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.

Velasquez was not a pharmacist at the store, and the store’s pharmacy itself was closed at the time of the shooting. Chiramonte said Velazquez is a well-known community member who leaves behind a wife and two children.

Police say the last thing Velasquez did was call 911 for help, but he was unable to speak when the dispatcher picked up.

Walgreens released a statement on the incident, saying, “We are deeply saddened by last night’s tragic event, which resulted in the death of one of our team members. Our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones during this difficult time. The safety of our customers and team members is our top priority, and we are working with local authorities in their investigation. We are focused on supporting our team members and will be offering on-site counseling services over the next couple days.”

Fernandez is now booked in jail on several felony charges, including murder.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Madera Police Department.