Carlos Navarro Franco, a 68-year-old groundskeeper at Santa Monica College, tragically lost his life on June 7, 2013, during a violent rampage in Santa Monica, California. Franco was among five individuals fatally wounded by John Zawahri, a 23-year-old gunman who carried out a spree shooting that began with a domestic dispute and arson at his family home. The incident escalated as Zawahri moved through the city, ultimately targeting Santa Monica College.
Franco and his 26-year-old daughter, Marcela Franco, were in their SUV on the college campus when Zawahri opened fire, killing Carlos instantly. Marcela succumbed to her injuries two days later in the hospital.
The rampage began when Zawahri set fire to his home on Yorkshire Avenue, where authorities later discovered the bodies of his father, Samir Zawahri, and his brother, Chris Zawahri, both of whom had been shot. Armed with an AR-15-style semi-automatic rifle and a revolver, Zawahri continued his attack by carjacking a vehicle and forcing the driver to take him to Santa Monica College. Along the way, he fired at a city bus and other vehicles, injuring several people. Upon arriving at the college, Zawahri shot into a Ford Explorer, killing Carlos Navarro Franco and fatally wounding Marcela. He then proceeded on foot, shooting and killing Margarita Gomez, a woman collecting cans outside the library, before entering the building and exchanging gunfire with police. Zawahri was ultimately killed by police in the college library.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that Zawahri had a history of emotional and psychological issues. He had been previously prohibited from purchasing firearms, yet he managed to assemble his weapons from legally acquired components. The incident raised significant concerns about gun control and mental health issues, prompting discussions on how to prevent such tragedies in the future. No further arrests were made in connection with the shooting, as Zawahri acted alone and was killed during the confrontation with police.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Santa Monica College community mourned the loss of Carlos Navarro Franco, who had been a dedicated employee for over two decades. The college established a memorial fund to support his family, highlighting his commitment to his work and his role as a beloved member of the campus community. The tragic events of June 7, 2013, left a lasting impact on the community, underscoring the need for continued efforts to address the root causes of such violence and to support those affected by it.
