GRIFFITH PARK—On Saturday, July 21 around 1:30 p.m. officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to an incident at the Trader Joes located at the 2700 block of Hyperion Avenue.
A suspect barricaded himself inside the establishment, after shooting two women, one who is believed to be his grandmother, who has been identified as Mary Elizabeth Madison. The suspect has been identified as Gene Evin Atkins, 28. Atkins engaged in a standoff with police, where he was shot in the arm and held customers inside the establishment hostage.
The SWAT team surrounded the building where after a three-hour standoff, Atkins surrendered to authorities.
Melyda Corado, the store manager at the facility was one of the victims who died from injuries she sustained during the incident. Her brother, Albert Corado, tweeted: “I’m sad to say she didn’t make it. My baby sister. My world. I appreciate the retweets and the love. Please respect my family’s privacy as we are still coming to terms with this.”
Albert tweeted on Sunday, July 22, “I miss my sister. I wish this wasn’t happening. Feels good to be with family, though. My dad is doing his best to keep it together. I am, too. Family is coming to visit from as far away as Australia. #MelydaCorado you were immensely loved.”
Atkins’ grandmother received sustained seven gunshot wounds and is currently in critical condition. His girlfriend was grazed by a bullet and is expected to make a recovery. Atkins stole his grandmother’s car and was chased by authorities before crashing the vehicle into a pole outside the Trader Joe’s store.
LAPD Police Chief Michel Moore tweeted, “The destructive and tragic consequences one person can inflict are at the forefront of our minds tonight, as is the valor & dedication of our men & women who strived to protect so many innocent people-Our thoughts, prayers & hearts are with all effected by this senseless incident.”
Several others were injured during the incident and were treated for non-life threatening injuries during the incident.
