On June 26, 2024, a tragic shooting occurred at a Chick-fil-A restaurant located at 5300 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Irving, Texas, resulting in the deaths of two employees: 31-year-old Brayan Alexis Godoy and 49-year-old Patricia Portillo. Both victims were on duty when the incident took place.
Brayan Godoy, originally from Guatemala, was a father of four who had relocated to North Texas to provide a better life for his family. He worked multiple jobs to support his loved ones back home.
His wife, Elisabeth de Godoy, expressed profound grief, stating, "We depended fully on him, we don’t have more family." She emphasized the devastating impact of his loss, noting that the perpetrator did not understand the void left behind.
The suspect, 37-year-old Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta, was arrested and charged with capital murder. According to reports, Argueta's spouse was employed at the same Chick-fil-A and witnessed the shooting, subsequently identifying him as the assailant. Authorities believe the attack was targeted, though the specific motive remains undisclosed. Argueta, a citizen of El Salvador, is currently on an immigration hold.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the local community has come together to honor the victims. A memorial service was held on June 30 at Redeemer Church Irving, where family, friends, and community members paid their respects to Brayan Godoy and Patricia Portillo. The owner-operator of the Chick-fil-A expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating, "Our hearts are broken by the tragedy that unfolded inside our restaurant Wednesday. We will miss our two Team Members dearly."
This incident has left a lasting impact on the Irving community, highlighting the profound loss experienced by the families of the victims and underscoring the need for continued support and solidarity in the face of such tragedies.
