On June 26, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded at a Chick-fil-A restaurant located at 5300 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Irving, Texas. Among the victims was 49-year-old Patricia Portillo, a mother and grandmother, who was fatally shot alongside her colleague, 31-year-old Brayan Alexis Godoy, a father of four from Guatemala. Both were dedicated employees of the establishment.
The suspect, identified as 37-year-old Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta, entered the restaurant armed with a handgun and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of Portillo and Godoy. Mendoza Argueta's spouse, who was employed at the same Chick-fil-A and present during the incident, positively identified him as the shooter. Authorities believe this was a targeted attack, though the specific motive remains under investigation.
Following the shooting, Mendoza Argueta fled the scene, prompting an overnight manhunt. He was apprehended by Irving police in the early hours of June 27, 2024, and charged with capital murder of multiple persons. Further investigation revealed that Mendoza Argueta, a citizen of El Salvador, was residing in the United States illegally, leading to an immigration detainer being placed on him by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The tragic loss of Portillo and Godoy has deeply affected their families and the local community. Portillo's daughter expressed profound grief, noting that her mother leaves behind grandchildren who will now grow up without her presence. Similarly, Godoy's wife, residing in Guatemala, mourned the loss of her husband, who had moved to North Texas to work multiple jobs and support his family back home.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Chick-fil-A location remained closed as authorities conducted their investigation. The restaurant's owner-operator released a statement expressing heartbreak over the incident and a commitment to support the affected families and team members during this difficult time.
