URGENT UPDATE: A mother of two, Patricia Villa, was tragically shot and killed while working at a storage facility in Covina, California, on November 2, 2023. The suspect, identified as Juan Nava, 66, has been taken into police custody after a shocking incident that left the community in mourning.
Witnesses report that the incident unfolded around 5 p.m., just before the facility’s closing time. Security footage captured a masked Nava arriving at the scene, where he armed himself before entering the storage facility. Patricia’s family became concerned when they couldn’t reach her, prompting them to drive to the location where they discovered her lifeless body inside.
Patricia was shot five times, leaving friends, family, and coworkers devastated. Hundreds gathered for an emotional vigil to honor her memory, with loved ones describing her as a dedicated employee and a beacon of positivity. “Patricia was a non-violent person… why did this have to happen to her?” lamented her father, Frank Villa. “She was a knowledgeable manager and someone who brought light to everybody,” added Deann Pancheri, a coworker.
The police investigation quickly led to Nava, a customer at the storage facility who appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis. Authorities utilized facial recognition technology to identify him, and a subsequent search of his residence uncovered a cache of weapons, including automatic firearms and handguns.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support Patricia’s grieving family, reflecting the community’s desire to help during this unimaginable time. “I don’t know how anybody could plan for something like this; it was just that random,” Pancheri remarked, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the violence.
Currently, no bail has been set for Nava, with his next court appearance scheduled for December 9, 2023. The community continues to seek answers and healing in the wake of this senseless act of violence.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds.
