MADERA, Calif. (/KMJKFSN) — The Madera’s District Attorney filed charges Wednesday against the man accused of killing a Walgreens employee.
The suspect, Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, is facing one count of murder with a gun and attempted murder of another employee.
In court on Wednesday, he pleaded not guilty to all charges, and his bail was set at $3 million. His next hearing was set for Friday, April 4.
Erick Velazquez was shot to death at the Walgreens off Cleveland and Schnoor in Madera late Monday night.
Police said Fernandez killed an employee because he had a grudge against large pharmacies.
Madera Police Chief Gino Chiaramonte said Narciso Gallardo Fernandez entered the store and opened fire, killing Erick Velasquez. It appears the killing was random as police say there was no known relation between the two men.
The suspect was also captured on surveillance video obtained by Action News waving with his gun at the camera, saying something inaudible, and then shooting out the camera at the front of the store.
Fernandez allegedly shot at other employees and customers as they left the store. No one else was hit.
Chief Chiaramonte said it appears that Fernandez drove from more than 80 miles from Pixley to the store off Cleveland Avenue, arriving just after 9:30 pm on Monday.
Fernandez 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.
When interviewed by Madera Police, the Chief said that Fernandez told them he hates big pharmacies.
However, Chiaramonte added they have not yet found any connection between that hatred and the broader healthcare system and did not see this as inspired by Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killng Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
Velasquez was not a pharmacist at the store, and the store’s pharmacy itself was closed at the time of the shooting. Chiramonte said Velazquez is a well-known community member who leaves behind a wife and two children.
The community is coming together to support his family, and a coworker has started a GoFundMe.
Police say the last thing Velasquez did was call 911 for help, but he was unable to speak when the dispatcher picked up.
Walgreens released a statement on the incident, saying, “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.”
Fernandez is now booked in jail on several felony charges, including murder.
Listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern.
