Hundreds gathered in front of the Walgreens in Madera to remember Erick Velasquez, a Walgreens employee who was working at the store when he was shot and killed on the evening of March 31st. Erick did not know the shooter. He did not provoke the incident that led to his senseless killing. Yet hundreds were left mourning his death as candles were lit and placed in front of the store where he was slain last Monday night.
According to Madera police, Narciso Gallardo Fernandez entered the store and opened fire. Madera Police Chief Gino Chiaramonte said it appears that the gunman drove more than 80 miles to arrive at the store at just after 9:30 p.m. local time. Police allege he arrived with a handgun in his pocket before shooting Velasquez and then turning his gun on other employees as they attempted to flee the store. Fortunately, there were no other victims and no one else was hit as shots peppered the business. It appears the killing was random as police say there was no known relation between the two men.
The suspect was then captured on surveillance video waving with his gun at the camera, saying something inaudible, and then shooting the camera at the entrance of the store. As Fernandez shot at the camera, police say that Erick was on the phone with 911—his last actions a call for help as he attempted to save others. He was unable to speak when the dispatcher answered the call. “I was able to hear the gunshots in the background,” the dispatcher told officers over the radio. Investigators say Fernandez fired at least five shots.
When authorities arrived, Erick was located inside the store suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers and EMS personnel rendered medical aid and life saving measures, however, he was unable to overcome his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. When police searched the pharmacy, they found others who were hiding from the shooter.
The suspect 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. He surrendered at the scene and the firearm was recovered. He was then booked in Madera County Jail on homicide charges.
Detectives are still investigating the potential motive. However, when interviewed by police, Fernandez allegedly said he “has a general disdain or grudge against pharmacies—large-scale pharmacies,” according to Chief Chiaramonte.
Remembering Erick Velasquez
Erick graduated from Madera South High School in 2014 before attending Fresno State, where he graduated four years later. He was described as a loving father to his children and a loving husband to his wife. His family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page to support his young family in the wake of this horrific event:
“Erick was a truly loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Erick loved to travel, hike, play sports, and spend quality time with his children and family. He was always optimistic and always saw life with a positive attitude. He is survived by his wife and two young children. Together we are trying to raise money to help his family during this very dark and tragic time as they try to remember Erick and all the positive light he brought to this world. We will always remember his big bright smile. He would always encourage us to live life to the fullest just like he did. Erick will truly be missed by his family and his Walgreens family.”
Chief Chiaramonte said many of the department’s officers knew Velasquez back to their high school days at Madera South. In fact, Velasquez wanted to go through the police academy like many of his friends. “Here’s a guy who is starting his family,” he said. “He wanted a life of service, trying to become a police officer with Madera PD. This week he was looking at California Highway Patrol and talking to our officers that grew up with him and that are friends with him. Just spoke so highly of his character and who he was as a human being . . . that’s the best part about knowing Erick. His stories live on.”
Walgreens also released a statement on the incident:
“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.”
The Aftermath
Fernandez is now booked in jail on several felony charges, including murder. He made his first appearance in court on Wednesday, April 2nd, pleading not guilty to all charges. During the hearing, witnesses claim Fernandez was rolling his eyes, nodding, and looking around the room as the judge spoke. His bail was set at $3 million.
For a man that claims he has a “general disdain” against pharmacies, he now faces a family, a community, and a nation that has a general disdain for him.
