Man With ‘Grudge’ Against Big Pharmacies Guns Down Walgreens Employee In Cold Blood

A man who said he had a grudge against big pharmacies allegedly gunned down a Walgreens worker in Madera, California on Monday. Investigators are currently working to determine whether the suspected killer was inspired by Luigi Mangione, who is accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a targeted attack outside a Manhattan hotel last year.

The suspect, Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, was seen on surveillance footage entering the Madera Walgreens, located about 25 miles outside Fresno, while armed with a handgun around 9:30 p.m. local time on Monday. He then proceeded to shoot out a security camera before allegedly killing Walgreens employee Erick Velasquez, who was shot execution style.

Fernandez then fired at additional Walgreens employees as they fled the scene, police said. The suspect, 30, was taken into custody after police encountered him in the parking lot, where he was reloading his weapon.

Fernandez appeared in court on Wednesday where he pleaded not guilty to charges of murder with a gun enhancement and attempted murder with a gun enhancement. His bail was set at $3 million, while his pre-preliminary hearing has been set for April 4.

Upon interrogation, Fernandez told investigators that he did not know the victim, though he did admit to holding a “general disdain or grudge against pharmacies,” according to a report from ABC 30 Fresno.

Madera Police Chief Giachino Chiaramonte told the outlet that investigators do not believe he was directly inspired by Luigi Mangione at this time, though the matter will be investigated thoroughly. Velasquez was a Walgreens worker, but not a pharmacist, the chief noted. The pharmacy was closed at the time of the shooting and the victim was not shot in the pharmacy area, he added.

Velasquez’s neighbor told the outlet that the victim was a father to two young children.

Erik Velazquez, the victim of a deadly shooting inside a Walgreens in Madera, California.
Photo: Madera Police Department

“We’re having difficulties because some of the statements show that he had anger towards pharmacies in general, not specifically Walgreens,” Chiaramonte said, adding that Fernandez told some victims “this isn’t about you” while carrying out the shooting.

“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,” Walgreens said in a statement. “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.”

Man With ‘Grudge’ Against Big Pharmacies Guns Down Walgreens Employee In Cold Blood

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