A California community is grieving after a mother of two was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend in what authorities have described as a murder-suicide inside a Korean barbecue restaurant.
According to police in La Habra, about 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles, 35-year-old Jonathan Wang entered Gui Gui 9292 Korean BBQ at around 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, and shot 45-year-old Jacqueline Medrano before turning the gun on himself.
“Based on preliminary information, the incident appears to be a targeted attack of murder–suicide,” police said in a statement. “Mr. Wang shot Ms. Medrano before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.” Both were pronounced dead at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics.
Police added that investigators found no evidence of additional suspects and that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Witnesses were dining inside the restaurant, located on Imperial Highway, at the time of the shooting, but no one else was injured.
Authorities confirmed that Medrano and Wang had previously been in a romantic relationship. Medrano, who worked as a urology nurse, had obtained a criminal protective order against Wang on Sept. 16. The order, which prohibited him from contacting her, remained active at the time of the shooting.
Local outlets reported that Wang had been arrested in Long Beach on July 15 following a domestic violence incident. The Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office later filed charges alleging he willfully caused injury to Medrano.
According to the victim’s statement, Wang “punched Medrano one time in the mouth, grabbed her by the front of the neck, pushed her to the ground, then held her down by the back of her neck.” He was scheduled to appear in court in November for a pre-trial conference. Wang had also been legally barred from owning or possessing a firearm.
On Thursday, Oct. 23, family and friends held a vigil for Medrano in San Pedro, placing flowers, candles, and photographs in her memory.
Those who knew her described Medrano as a dedicated nurse and a strong woman who continued working despite being harassed by her ex-boyfriend. “It just proves how hard-working she was,” said coworker Maria Barragan. “All that she was going through, you would have never known.”
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“She’s my hero, my role model forever in life, and no one can take that away,” added her niece, Magali Rodriguez. “She’s not a victim. She’s a hero.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Calls are free and confidential, and the hotline operates 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, mental health issues, or substance use, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for free, confidential support available 24/7.
