Overview
- A physical fight in the Walmart parking lot on Eastlake Parkway escalated to a fatal shooting that wounded an 18-year-old who later died at Scripps Mercy Hospital, according to police reports about the May 19 incident.
- Authorities identified the suspect as 32-year-old Thomas Pérez of Chula Vista, who called 911, waited for officers at the scene and was booked on a 187(a) Penal Code charge for murder.
- The Chula Vista Police Department says its initial investigation found the shooting followed a mutual fight in which the suspect drew a holstered firearm and fired at the victim.
- Walmart issued a statement saying it is deeply disturbed and will cooperate with investigators, and local reporting has suggested the victim may have been a store employee collecting carts, a detail police have not confirmed.
- Police have asked the public for tips as the investigation continues and are withholding the victim's name until next of kin are notified, a step that could shape the timing of any charges or court actions to follow.