Exclusive details revealed as accused Madera Walgreens killer heads to trial

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Madera County judge ruled on Friday that Narciso Gallardo Fernandez will stand trial for murder following a chilling attack at a Madera Walgreens last March.

"There is sufficient cause to believe [the] defendant is guilty thereof," Judge Katherine Rigby said.

Fernandez is accused of gunning down Erick Velasquez.

Investigators say Fernandez drove nearly 80 miles from Pixley, arriving at the Walgreens shortly before closing.

Madera Police Department Detective Dina Santos testified that Fernandez loitered inside and ate chips before opening fire.

"He admitted going into Walgreens and shooting the employee," Santos said.

Police believe Fernandez had a "grudge" against large pharmacies. They say he fired at two other employees, telling officers he thought he killed them.

"He said he didn't know how many shots he fired, but believed it was the whole magazine," Santos said.

The attack shocked the community, and hundreds turned out for a vigil outside the store. Customers told Action News they knew Velazquez for his big smile, his kindness.

"For something like this to happen to him without even knowing who that other person was and the person not knowing him, it was just devastating to all of us," mourner Lena Cortez said in April.

Donors raised more than $60,000 for Velazquez's family.

Many of his loved ones were present in court and cried as detectives revealed his final moments.

"Erick had gone towards the individual who was near the photocopy area," Santos said.

In court, Fernandez remained quiet without showing visible emotion.

His attorney did not call a single witness, only suggesting that Fernandez suffered trauma from a major accident.

"I believe it was a head injury and, I believe, it was his arm," the detective said.

More evidence about the man's prior dealings with the healthcare system could come out at trial.

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