Tragic Incident: Nurse Fatally Shot in Apparent Murder-Suicide at Restaurant

A dedicated nurse and loving mother from California met a tragic end when her former boyfriend shot her in a shocking incident that took place at a Korean BBQ restaurant.

The victim, 45-year-old Jacqueline Medrano, was shot and killed by 35-year-old Jonathan Wang inside Gui Gui 9292, located in La Habra, on October 14.

According to investigators, Wang entered the establishment and opened fire on Medrano, terrifying both diners and staff, before he took his own life.

Authorities received a call about the gunfire shortly before 7 p.m. Upon arrival, they found both individuals suffering from gunshot wounds.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department pronounced both Medrano and Wang dead at the scene.

Medrano and Wang were previously involved in a romantic relationship, investigators confirmed the crime was targeted. 

Wang had an active criminal protective order issued against him, that prohibited him from contacting Medrano, KTLA reported.

The gunman was previously arrested in July because of a domestic violence incident. The Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office alleged ‘he willfully caused injury to his girlfriend, Jacqueline Medrano.’

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,’ according to her statement.

The protective order also barred the gunman from possessing any type of firearm. He was scheduled to return to court in November.

Family members said the 45-year-old was taking the necessary precautions to protect herself and her 17-year-old son, but Wang continued to stalk her.

Her killer even showed up to her workplace – the Kaiser Permanente facility in Anaheim, where she was a urology nurse. 

‘It just proves how hard working she was,’  Maria Barragan, Medrano’s coworker, told KTLA. ‘All that she was going through, you would have never known.’

An evening vigil honoring the beloved mother-of-two was held in San Pedro on Thursday night. 

Friends and family are furious with the justice system and believe it failed to protect her.

Medrano is remembered ‘as someone whose laughter could light up a room, whose compassion extended to everyone she met, and whose presence brought joy and comfort to those around her,’ her memorial website reads.

‘She’s my hero, my role model forever in life and no one can take that away,’ Medrano’s niece, Magali Rodriguez, told KTLA. 

The 45-year-old was known for her ‘warmth, generosity, and bright spirit,’ and passion for motorcycles. Her greatest joys in life were her two sons.

‘She’s not a victim. She’s a hero,’ Rodriguez said.

In a statement, the restaurant gave their condolences to Medrano’s family and ensured they have taken additional measures to ensure the safety of their guests. 

‘Our hearts are heavy, but we remain committed to being a safe and welcoming place for our community,’ they wrote. ‘Thank you for your understanding and continued support.’