A 24-year-old woman and a man were shot and killed Thursday afternoon in what family members describe as a tragic act of domestic violence at a Pomona apartment complex, authorities said.
Pomona police officers responded shortly before 3:30 p.m. to reports of gunfire at an apartment building in the 100 block of East Monterey Avenue, near Garey Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds in a hallway of the complex. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Relatives identified the victims as Veronica Lopez, 24, and Richard Brady. Family members said Lopez had traveled from San Diego and had been involved in a relationship for approximately two years with the suspected gunman, identified by police as 48-year-old Robert Galtman of Pomona.
According to investigators, Galtman fled the scene in a black Kia sedan immediately after the shooting, prompting a lengthy pursuit involving the California Highway Patrol. The chase extended through multiple Southern California communities, including Pomona, the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, and into the Antelope Valley.
Authorities eventually brought the pursuit to an end after deploying spike strips and executing a PIT maneuver, which disabled the vehicle. Galtman was taken into custody at approximately 7 p.m. without further incident.
Jail records indicate the suspect is being held on $3.1 million bail and is expected to appear in court in Pomona for arraignment proceedings.
Family members remembered Lopez as a vibrant and energetic young woman whose life was cut tragically short. Loved ones described her as athletic, compassionate, and full of joy. To assist with funeral and memorial expenses, relatives established a GoFundMe campaign in her honor.
Brady’s family has also launched an online fundraiser to support his children as they cope with the devastating loss.
Lopez’s relatives said they had repeatedly encouraged her to leave the abusive relationship and expressed hope that her death would raise awareness about the dangers of domestic violence. They urged anyone experiencing abuse to seek help and support before violence escalates.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
