A suspect is in custody after a fatal shooting at a Walgreens store in Madera, California, which resulted in the death of an employee on the night of March 31, 2025. Police report that the suspect had a “general disdain” for large pharmacy chains, prompting him to travel over 80 miles to carry out the attack.
The incident occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. at the Walgreens located at Cleveland Avenue and Schnoor Street in Madera. Authorities were alerted to the scene following reports of gunfire inside the store.
The deceased has been identified as Erick Velasquez, an employee at Walgreens and a father of two young children. Velasquez was not working in the pharmacy section, which was closed at the time of the shooting.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, traveled approximately 80 miles from Pixley, California, to the Walgreens in Madera. Police stated that Fernandez had no personal connection to Velasquez but targeted the store due to his animosity toward major pharmacy chains.
Madera Police Chief explained that Fernandez entered the store shortly before closing and began the attack by shooting at surveillance cameras. Velasquez managed to call 911 during the incident, but was unable to speak when the dispatcher answered. Gunshots were heard in the background of the call.
“There were customers with children inside the store at the time of the shooting,” police officials stated. They also noted that Fernandez fired at other employees as they attempted to escape the building. Remarkably, no other individuals were injured.
When officers arrived, they found Fernandez in the parking lot reloading his weapon. He was immediately taken into custody. The firearm used in the shooting was recovered at the scene.
Surveillance footage from the store captured Fernandez waving his gun at security cameras before shooting them out. Police have confirmed that the attack was not gang-related.
Investigators found no connection between Fernandez’s disdain for large pharmacies and broader healthcare system issues. Authorities also confirmed that the shooting was not inspired by a separate incident involving the targeted killing of a UnitedHealthcare CEO.
Fernandez was booked into the Madera County Jail on homicide charges, including murder with a gun enhancement and attempted murder with a gun enhancement. His pre-preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 4.
Walgreens expressed their profound grief in a statement following the tragedy. The company announced that it would provide grief counselors and support staff when the store reopens.
Community members have described Velasquez as having a “big bright smile” and being well-known locally. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Velasquez’s wife and two children.
This incident is part of a concerning trend of workplace violence targeting retail and healthcare settings. The Madera Police Department is continuing its investigation and evidence gathering.
The Walgreens location is expected to remain closed for several days as the investigation proceeds and employees are given time to process the event. Walgreens has confirmed that on-site counseling services will be provided for all team members affected by the incident.
Local officials are encouraging anyone who witnessed the shooting or has additional information to contact the Madera Police Department.
