Elida Dominguez, a 66-year-old resident of Azusa, California, tragically passed away on April 25, 2018. Her death was the result of complications from a gunshot wound she sustained during a violent incident on November 8, 2016, which coincided with the U.S. presidential election. On that day, Carlos Mendez, an Azusa resident, armed himself with multiple firearms and opened fire on several individuals in the 400 Block of West Fourth Street.
During this rampage, Mendez shot and killed his neighbor, 77-year-old Francis Varney, and critically wounded two elderly women, including Elida Dominguez. Mendez was subsequently killed by responding Azusa Police Officers during a gun battle.
Elida Dominguez was struck by a bullet in her upper torso and was immediately hospitalized. She endured a long and challenging recovery process, remaining in medical care for over a year and a half. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, Elida's health continued to decline due to the severity of her injuries. Her passing on April 25, 2018, was a significant loss to her family, friends, and the Azusa community. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner conducted an investigation to determine the exact cause of her death, which was ultimately linked to the injuries she sustained during the 2016 shooting.
The incident that led to Elida's injuries and subsequent death was a shocking and tragic event for the Azusa community. Carlos Mendez's actions on that day were described as a senseless act of violence. The Azusa Police Department and the community mourned the loss of both Francis Varney and Elida Dominguez. In the aftermath of the shooting, there were no further arrests or suspects related to the incident, as the perpetrator, Carlos Mendez, had been killed during the confrontation with police. The case did not result in any additional litigations or legal proceedings beyond the initial investigation and the coroner's report.
Elida Dominguez's family and the Azusa community have continued to remember her and honor her memory. Her family established a GoFundMe page to assist with funeral and medical expenses, reflecting the community's support and solidarity in the wake of the tragedy. The Azusa Police Department also expressed their condolences and shared memories of Elida, highlighting the impact she had on those around her. The tragic events of November 8, 2016, and the subsequent loss of Elida Dominguez serve as a somber reminder of the devastating effects of gun violence.
