Madera Community Mourns After Tragic Walgreens Shooting Leaves Father Dead
MADERA, CA – A senseless act of violence has left a community in shock after a Monday night shooting at a Walgreens claimed the life of 34-year-old Erick Velazquez, a dedicated employee, husband, and father of two.
The suspect, 30-year-old Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, drove over an hour from Pixley before opening fire inside the store on Cleveland Avenue. Surveillance footage captured Fernandez firing at a security camera before ultimately taking the life of Velazquez. Authorities remain baffled by the motive behind the attack, as Fernandez had no known connection to the victim, the store, or the city of Madera.
A Crime Without Clear Answers
Madera Police Chief Giachino Chiaramonte revealed that Fernandez harbored anger toward pharmacies in general, but there was no evidence suggesting a specific vendetta against Walgreens.
“We’re having difficulties because some of the statements show that he had anger towards pharmacies in general, not specifically Walgreens,” Chief Chiaramonte explained.
The tragedy unfolded around 9:30 p.m., when Fernandez stormed into the store and opened fire.
Before the shooting, Fernandez spoke to female customers outside, telling them:
“This isn’t about you.”
After firing shots inside, he exited the store, where officers found him reloading his handgun.
A Devoted Father Taken Too Soon
Inside, officers discovered Erick Velazquez dead at the scene. Velazquez had no known connection to Fernandez—he was simply at work, providing for his family, when his life was tragically cut short.
Velazquez leaves behind a grieving wife and two young children, one of whom is still an infant.
“You could say only one life was lost, but we have numerous people touched trying to understand the why. I have a victim’s family. He’s got a wife. He’s got two children—one’s an infant—and they’re trying to understand the why,” said Chief Chiaramonte.
No Known Ties to Madera
Adding to the mystery, police confirmed that Fernandez had no known ties to Madera and no prior interactions with local law enforcement.
“He has no ties to Madera. He has no prior contacts with the sheriff’s department or PD here,” Chief Chiaramonte stated.
Fernandez had previously attended UC Merced, but investigators say this detail has provided no insight into his motives.
Seeking Answers
The Walgreens store remained closed on Tuesday as the Madera community mourned and searched for answers. Police are urging anyone with information about Fernandez to come forward to help piece together why he chose to target this location.
As the investigation continues, one thing remains clear—this tragic shooting has left a family shattered and a community struggling to comprehend an act of such brutal senselessness.