URGENT UPDATE: A tragic shooting at a storage facility in Covina, California, has left the community in shock following the death of Patricia Villa, a devoted mother of two. The incident unfolded on November 2, 2023, just before closing time, when a masked gunman entered the facility and opened fire, resulting in Patricia being shot five times.
Witnesses report that the suspect, identified as Juan Nava, aged 66, was a customer at the facility. Authorities have confirmed that he is now in police custody. The emotional fallout from this senseless act of violence has sparked widespread mourning among friends, family, and coworkers, who gathered for a vigil on Saturday to honor Patricia’s life.
Patricia’s father, Frank Villa, expressed his heartbreak: “
She was a non-violent person… why did this have to happen to her?
” Friends described Patricia as a bright light who was dedicated to her job and her family. Deann Pancheri, a coworker, remarked, “
She brought light to everybody.
”
The shooting occurred around 5 p.m. as security footage shows the suspect arriving and preparing for the attack. Family members became alarmed when they couldn’t reach Patricia and subsequently went to the storage facility, where they discovered her lying inside.
Following the shooting, police utilized facial recognition technology to apprehend Nava, who is reported to have been experiencing a mental health crisis. Authorities searched his residence and discovered an alarming arsenal, including automatic weapons and handguns.
A GoFundMe page has been established in Patricia’s name to support her grieving family, reflecting the community’s desire to help in the wake of this tragedy. “I don’t know how anybody could plan for something like this,” Pancheri added, highlighting the randomness of the violence.
As of now, no bail has been set for Nava, with his next court appearance scheduled for December 9, 2023. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence related to this shocking incident.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the community seeks answers and justice for Patricia Villa.
