Mother of 2 shot and killed while working at Covina storage facility

COVINA, Calif. () — Loved ones are mourning the loss of a mother of two who was shot and killed while working at a storage facility in Covina.

The accused gunman, who coworkers say was a customer at the storage facility, is in police custody.

Hundreds of friends, family and coworkers showed up at an emotional vigil on Saturday to remember the life of Patricia Villa. They say the mother of two and loving partner was a positive person whose life was taken in a senseless act of violence.

“Patricia was a non-violent person and… why did this have to happen to her?” said Patricia’s father, Frank Villa.

“She was a dedicated employee, and awesome coworker, a knowledgeable manager, and somebody who brought light to everybody,” Deann Pancheri said.

Tragedy struck on Sunday, Nov. 2, when family members say security footage captured a masked man arriving around 5 p.m., just before closing time.

“The suspect came, parked his car, and you can see that he prepared himself, because you can see him putting on a mask and arming himself and then walking in,” Frank said.

Patricia’s family says when they couldn’t get a hold of her, they drove to the facility and found her lying inside. She had been shot five times.

The owners say police used facial recognition to identify the suspect as 66-year-old Juan Nava and take him into custody. They said he was a customer and tenant who seemed to be undergoing a mental health crisis.

“They searched his house and they found many arms, automatic weapons, side arms, pistols,” Frank said.

A GoFundMe page has been set up in Patricia’s name to help support her family.

“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 said.

No bail was set for Nava. His next court appearance is set for Dec. 9.