Are more charges possible for Walgreen’s shooting suspect in Madera?

MADERA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – 30-year-old Narciso Gallardo Fernandez, charged with murder and attempted murder in a shooting at a Madera Walgreens, pleaded not guilty to both charges in Department 21 of the Madera County Superior Court Wednesday.

He was there in person, talkative, and even appeared to smile and laugh at some points throughout the arraignment, all in front of the emotional family members of deceased Walgreens employee Erick Velasquez.

Fernandez is charged with the premeditated murder of him, and the attempted murder of Walgreens Manager Diego Ramirez, after police say Fernandez drove from Pixley on Monday, and walked into the store on West Cleveland Avenue with a gun.

Authorities say he opened fire, striking both men; men they say he had no prior history or relationship with.

“Because of how shocking it is, you know, our main concern is making sure that the community knows that they’re safe,” said Madera County Deputy District Attorney Nick Karp following the arraignment Wednesday.

While police say more people were in the store at the time of the shooting, Karp says they were only able to file the two charges for murder and attempted murder, with enhancements for intentional use of a firearm and use of a firearm.

Still, YourCentralValley.com asked whether more charges are possible.

“We’re still getting information, gathering information. From what we have right now, these were the charges that were most appropriate. But certainly, if we get more information, if that facts come back that suggest that additional charges are appropriate, we’re going to file those,” he said.

Velasquez leaves behind his wife and two children, as well as an extended family. All of them asked for privacy on Wednesday. 

Karp says the man’s wife is doing her best with the unimaginable circumstances.

“Obviously she’s distraught, understandably. So, we will talk with them more,” he told us. “It’s going to be a moment before she’s able to have a full conversation about what just happened and what’s going to happen in the future.”

Madera Police is still investigating as to why exactly the shooting occurred and is working with the FBI and other agencies to determine that. Although they say Fernandez has a history of ‘anger” toward pharmacies.

He will be back in court for a pre-preliminary hearing on April 4, before his preliminary hearing begins on April 14.

His bail is set at $3 million, and if he’s found guilty of all charges and enhancements, he could get up to life in state prison.