Covina Custody Swap Erupts in Deadly Gunfire at Home Depot Lot

What was supposed to be a routine child custody handoff turned deadly Tuesday evening in Covina, when an argument in a Home Depot parking lot escalated into a fatal shooting, police said. Officers were called just after 6:05 p.m. to the 900 block of West Badillo Street, where a man had been hit by gunfire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect stayed at the location and was arrested without further incident. Authorities have not yet released the names of either the victim or the alleged shooter.

Scene and Response

According to CBS Los Angeles, the Covina Police Department stated in a news release that "several individuals" had gathered in the lot to carry out a child custody exchange when an argument broke out. During that confrontation, one man pulled out a firearm and opened fire.

Officers quickly secured the sprawling Home Depot parking lot while detectives documented the scene, took photographs, and collected shell casings and other evidence. Traffic in and around the busy shopping area was disrupted as investigators worked into the evening. CBS Los Angeles reports that police also asked anyone who witnessed the argument or captured it on video to contact investigators.

Investigation and Procedure

Covina detectives are now piecing together what led up to the deadly argument and who exactly was present during the custody exchange. The Covina Police Department's Investigations page notes that detectives are responsible for collecting evidence, canvassing for witnesses and preparing cases to be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for possible charges. As of Tuesday night, it was not immediately clear whether prosecutors had formally filed a case.

Local Context

The killing adds to a tense spring in Covina. Earlier in May, officers exchanged gunfire with a suspect on North Grandview Avenue, leaving one man wounded, according to reporting on the Grandview Avenue shootout. Neighbors and nearby business owners have voiced frustration and concern over the recent string of violent incidents in the area, even as police stress that this latest shooting appears to be isolated.

Covina police emphasized there is no known ongoing threat to the public tied to Tuesday's Home Depot homicide.

How to Help Investigators

Anyone who saw the confrontation or has cellphone or dashcam footage was urged to call the Covina Police Department Investigations Bureau at 626-384-5622, according to CBS Los Angeles. The shooting took place in the parking lot of the Home Depot at 963 W Badillo St, according to the store's listed address.

For non-emergencies, the Covina Police Department's main line is 626-331-3391. The department's website lists its administrative offices at 444 N. Citrus Avenue.