Former Student Suspected in Madera Walgreens Shooting

PIXLEY, Calif. (KFSN) — Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, the suspect in a shooting at a Walgreens in Madera, has a troubling background that has come to light following the tragic incident on March 31. The shooting resulted in the death of 29-year-old Erick Velasquez, an employee at the pharmacy.

According to Madera Police Chief Gino Chiaramonte, Fernandez, 32, drove more than 100 miles from Pixley to Madera and opened fire just before 10 p.m. local time. Eyewitness reports indicate that the act appeared random, as there was no prior relationship between Fernandez and Velasquez.

Security footage from inside the Walgreens captured Fernandez waving a gun at the camera before the deadly encounter. Eyewitnesses reported that he also aimed his weapon at other employees and customers in the vicinity but fortunately did not hit anyone else.

A member of the Pixley community, who requested anonymity, expressed disbelief over Fernandez’s actions, noting that he had watched him grow up in the area. This neighbor revealed that Fernandez had recently suffered a serious car accident, resulting in a head injury and damage to his right arm, which may have affected his behavior.

Police have stated that Fernandez harbored a grudge against large pharmacies, but have yet to establish any further motivations behind the attack. Notably, a spokesperson for the University of California, Merced, confirmed that Fernandez was a student from 2012 to 2015 but did not complete a degree.

In a statement, Walgreens expressed sorrow at the loss of Velasquez, describing him as a well-known member of the community who leaves behind a wife and two children. The company emphasized its commitment to the safety of its employees and customers and is cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.

Chiaramonte indicated that during the police interview, Fernandez expressed his disdain for “big pharmacies,” though he clarified that investigators had found no correlation between Fernandez’s animosity and the larger healthcare system, nor was there any link to other violent incidents involving healthcare executives.

Velasquez’s final act was reportedly a 911 call for help, which he was unable to communicate upon answering. As the investigation continues, Fernandez remains in custody facing multiple charges, including murder. Authorities urge anyone with information related to the case to contact the Madera Police Department.