On November 8th, 2016, the day of the U.S. presidential election, Azusa resident Carlos Mendez armed himself with a rifle, shotgun, and a handgun on the 400 Block West Fourth Street, in Azusa. He opened fire on several innocent people. During the rampage he shot and killed his neighbor, 77 year old Francis Varney. Mendez also shot and critically wounded two elderly females. He then opened fire on responding Azusa Police Officers and was killed by the officers during the gun battle.
One of the injured females, Elida Dominguez, sustained a bullet wound to her upper torso. Elida was hospitalized and had since been in long-term recovery from the wound she sustained. On April 25, 2018, Elida passed away at the age of 66. The County of Los Angeles' Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner will conduct an investigation to determine her cause of death.
Elida's passing has obviously been difficult for her friends, family, and the Azusa community, but also for the many members of the Azusa Police Department who experienced the tragedy on that day. Several members of the Azusa Police Department had the opportunity to celebrate Elida's birthday last year and were happy to see her and meet her family. We are now saddened at her loss and our condolences go out to her family and loved ones.
Elida's family has established a GoFundMe page to assist them with funeral and medical expenses. We encourage anybody who is interested to view the page at: https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-elida-moreno-dominguez