California Man Charged in Fatal Walgreens Shooting Motivated by Pharmacy Grudge

Narciso Gallardo Fernandez allegedly killed Erick Velasquez in a random attack, citing disdain for large pharmacies, as the Madera community mourns the loss of a beloved father and employee.

Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, 30, was charged with murder and attempted murder after allegedly killing Walgreens employee Erick Velasquez in Madera, California, on March 31, 2025.
Police say Fernandez harbored a grudge against large pharmacy chains, though no specific connection to Walgreens or broader healthcare issues has been established.
The shooting appeared random, with no relationship between Fernandez and Velasquez, a 34-year-old father of two and well-regarded community member.
Fernandez was arrested in the Walgreens parking lot while reloading his handgun; surveillance footage captured him shooting out a security camera inside the store.
A GoFundMe for Velasquez's family has raised over $29,000, while Walgreens has offered counseling services to employees and is cooperating with the investigation.

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