Shooter Who Hated Pharmacies Drove 80 Miles to Kill, Police Say
By closing time at a Walgreens® in Madera, California, a beloved employee lay dead, the community was in shock, and a troubling question lingered: Was this random act of violence part of a darker trend?
An Ordinary Night Turns Violent
On March 31, just before 10 p.m., Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, 30, allegedly walked into a Walgreens store more than 80 miles from his home. According to Madera police, Fernandez pulled out a handgun, aimed it at the store's security camera, and opened fire.
Fernandez then allegedly shot 34-year-old Walgreens employee Erick Velasquez before turning his weapon on others inside the store. No other victims were hit. Police say Velasquez was able to call 911, but was unable to speak.
As terrified employees and customers hid, Fernandez allegedly walked back to the parking lot, calmly reloading his weapon. Officers arrived moments later, catching him mid-action. He surrendered without resistance. Velasquez was pronounced dead at the scene.
A Deadly Grudge
According to Madera Police Chief Gino Chiaramonte, Fernandez allegedly told investigators he "hates big pharmacies," as reported by PEOPLE.
He allegedly did not mention Velasquez specifically — the two had never met. Velasquez wasn't a pharmacist, and the pharmacy itself was closed at the time of the shooting.
Fernandez has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder. Bail has been set at $3 million. Police say they are also investigating whether a recent car accident played a role in his behavior.
A Luigi Mangione Connection?
The timing of Fernandez's alleged statements stirred speculation online about a possible connection to Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare® CEO Brian Thompson in December — a case some have called a form of vigilante violence against the healthcare industry.
But according to Chiaramonte, there's no evidence linking Fernandez's actions to Mangione or any broader anti-healthcare conspiracy.
Still, the eerie resemblance — a suspect targeting a healthcare-related figure and voicing hatred for the industry — is enough to raise eyebrows. Both cases involve emotionally charged motives tied to frustration with perceived institutional failures. Whether that points to coincidence or cultural contagion remains to be seen.
Remembering Erick Velasquez
In the days since the shooting, community members have rallied around Velasquez's family. A GoFundMe page describes him as a devoted family man who brought joy wherever he went. The fundraiser's organizer, Elizabeth Sobbe, wrote according to PEOPLE, "Together we are trying to raise money to help his family during this very dark and tragic time. We will always remember his big, bright, smile. He would always encourage us to live life to the fullest, just like he did."
Velasquez's death marks a chilling reminder of the risks facing the average worker — even those far removed from the public spotlight. He wasn't in a position of power. He wasn't the face of corporate policy. He was simply a person doing his job.
References: Suspect Who Allegedly Shot and Killed Walgreens Employee Had 'Anger Towards Pharmacies,' Police Say | Suspected Walgreens killer had 'grudge' against large pharmacies, California police say | California man 'angry with pharmacies' accused of shooting and killing Walgreens employee | Man who hates big pharmacies allegedly guns down Walgreens worker: Police
