Suspect in Fatal Walgreens Shooting Charged with Murder, Investigation Continues

Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, accused of killing Erick Velasquez, remains in custody as police examine his alleged grudge against large pharmacies.

Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, 30, has been charged with murder and attempted murder after allegedly killing Walgreens employee Erick Velasquez on March 31, 2025.
The suspect reportedly drove over 80 miles from Pixley, California, to Madera, where he fatally shot Velasquez and fired at fleeing employees and customers, though no one else was injured.
Surveillance footage shows Fernandez shooting at a security camera before opening fire inside the store; he was arrested in the parking lot while reloading his handgun.
Police have identified Fernandez's stated grudge against large pharmacies as a potential motive but have ruled out gang-related or high-profile incident connections.
Walgreens has temporarily closed the store, offered counseling services to employees, and expressed condolences to Velasquez’s family, who are receiving community support through a fundraising campaign.