MADERA, CA – In a troubling act of violence, a Walgreens employee was shot and killed by a man harboring deep-seated animosity towards pharmacies. On Monday night, Narciso Fernandez, 30, allegedly walked into a Walgreens in Madera and shot 34-year-old Erick Velazquez, a father of two, according to local police reports.
Fernandez reportedly remained at the scene following the incident and admitted to authorities his disdain for pharmacies, a sentiment not limited to any specific chain but rather a broader grievance against the industry. The Madera Police Chief confirmed that the suspect expressed a general resentment towards large-scale pharmacies.
Despite Fernandez’s animosity toward the pharmaceutical industry, officials are treating this as an isolated incident, emphasizing that no other immediate threats have been identified in the community. The police chief also noted that Fernandez has no history of criminal conduct or known connections within the Madera area.
The incident unfolded rapidly Monday evening when Fernandez arrived at the store on West Cleveland Avenue around 9:35 p.m. Once inside, he allegedly shot Velazquez, later telling female witnesses outside the store that they were not his targets before heading to his vehicle.
Police found him near his car, reloading his handgun at that time.
In an emotional recount of the victim’s background, the police chief shared Velazquez’s story, painting him as a dedicated family man with no ties to the shooter.
Velazquez leaves behind a wife and two children, including an infant, with a family now grappling to understand a senseless loss.
Significantly, the Walgreens pharmacy was closed at the time of the shooting, raising further questions about Fernandez’s motivations. Store representatives expressed profound sorrow over the event in an official statement and pledged cooperation with the ongoing investigation while extending support services to their staff.
As the community contends with this shocking event, authorities continue to delve into Fernandez’s history and motivations, aiming to ensure there are no further underlying threats. The tragic loss of Velazquez has left a void in the lives of his close-knit family and colleagues, underscoring the devastating impact of this act of violence.