Mother of Two Shot Dead at Covina Storage Facility; Suspect Arrested

URGENT UPDATE: A mother of two, Patricia Villa, was shot and killed while working at a storage facility in Covina, California, on November 2, 2023. The suspect, identified as Juan Nava, a 66-year-old customer at the facility, is now in police custody following the shocking incident.

The tragedy unfolded around 5 p.m., just before the facility was set to close. Security footage shows a masked Nava arriving, preparing himself, and entering the building armed. Family members grew concerned when they couldn’t reach Patricia and rushed to the facility, where they found her lying inside, having been shot five times.

In a vigil held on Saturday, hundreds gathered to pay their respects, mourning the loss of a vibrant and dedicated individual. “Patricia was a non-violent person and… why did this have to happen to her?” her father, Frank Villa, expressed in heartbreak. Friends and coworkers described her as a positive force who brought light to everyone around her. “She was a dedicated employee, an awesome coworker, and a knowledgeable manager,” said Deann Pancheri.

Authorities confirmed that facial recognition technology helped identify Nava as the suspect. Reports indicate he may have been undergoing a mental health crisis at the time of the shooting. Law enforcement officials conducted a search of his residence and discovered multiple firearms, including automatic weapons and handguns.

A GoFundMe page has been established to support Patricia’s family as they navigate this devastating loss. “I don’t know how anybody could, you know, even plan for something like this to be honest with you, because it was just that random,” Pancheri added.

Nava is currently being held without bail, with his next court appearance scheduled for December 9, 2023. The community continues to grapple with the senseless violence that took Patricia’s life, emphasizing the urgent need for mental health awareness and community safety.

As developments unfold, family and friends are left to cherish Patricia’s memory while calling for justice in the face of this tragedy.