Mourners Gather Outside Trader Joe's Where Beloved Staffer Was Killed In Hostage Horror
July 24 2018, Updated 5:52 p.m. ET
Trader Joe's assistant manager Melyda Corado was wrapping up her shift at the Los Angeles grocery store when a gunman entered. LAPD quickly entered the building to stop the shooter — but accidentally shot and killed Corado instead.
"It is unimaginable the pain of the Corado family," Los Angeles Police Chief Michael Moore told reporters after the incident. "We share the pain today."
According to police, Corado was exiting the store when crazed gunman Gene Evin Atkins was entering — that's when she was hit by LAPD gunfire.
"I am truly sorry," Moore said.
"My family and I are not releasing any statements at this time," Albert Corado, the woman's brother, told RadarOnline.com Tuesday.
"I miss my sister. I wish this wasn't happening," he tweeted. "My dad is doing his best to keep it together. I am, too."
Albert stated family from as far as Australia are flying to Los Angeles after Corado's death.
"#MelyadCorado you were immensely loved," he continued on social media.
Mourners also visited the Trader Joe's where Corado worked to pay tribute after the senseless killing.
"She could only be described as loving," frequent shopper Michelle Martinez told RadarOnline.com after visiting the Silver Lake store. "I saw her just two weeks ago when I was food shopping and she was full of joy — she was always full of joy."
Atkins has been hit with 31 charges, including one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, four counts of attempted murder against a police officer, 13 counts of false imprisonment of hostages and one count of felony evading.
His bail is set at $3 million.
Stay with RadarOnline.com for updates.
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