Erick Velasquez, a 34-year-old male, was fatally shot inside a Walgreens store in Madera, California, on the evening of March 31, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 9 p.m. local time when police responded to reports of gunfire inside the pharmacy. Upon arrival, officers discovered Velasquez suffering from a fatal gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities later identified the suspect as 30-year-old Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, who had traveled over 80 miles from Pixley, California, to carry out the attack.
Investigators determined that Fernandez entered the Walgreens with a handgun in his pocket before opening fire on Velasquez. Surveillance footage reportedly captured Fernandez waving his firearm at the store’s security cameras before firing. After shooting Velasquez, Fernandez allegedly continued to fire at other store employees as they attempted to flee. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported. When officers arrived, they found Fernandez in the parking lot, reloading his weapon. He surrendered to law enforcement without further incident.
Authorities have suggested that Fernandez harbored a deep-seated resentment toward corporate pharmacies, though no prior connection between him and Velasquez has been established. Madera Police Chief Gino Chiaramonte stated that Fernandez expressed generalized anger toward pharmacies, which may have motivated the attack. Fernandez was taken into custody and booked into Madera County Jail on charges of murder and attempted murder. Prosecutors have placed enhancements on each charge, indicating the severity of the crime. During his arraignment, Fernandez pleaded not guilty to all charges. His demeanor in court, described as unsettling, has raised concerns among those following the case. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover further details surrounding the tragic event.
