Madera Man Shot, Killed on Country Club Drive

By DJ Becker/The Madera News

A 27-year-old Madera man and veteran of the US Marine Corps was shot twice at close range and senselessly killed by two men walking by on Country Club Drive at Clark Street at about 11 pm on Thursday evening, January 12th, 2023 according to Madera Police Detective Sergeant Matthew McCombs. Two suspects are in custody.

The victim, Thomas Aparicio was parked in the strip mall on Country Club Drive between Clark Street and the car dealership and was having a conversation with his wife when the two suspects randomly walked by and inserted themselves into the situation, began arguing with the victim and one of the men pulled out a .40 caliber handgun, according to McCombs. 

“The suspects did not know the victim, Thomas Aparicio,” according to McCombs. “They started arguing – for unknown reasons and Gonzalo Barrios pulled out a gun, causing Aparicio to attempt to disarm him. The fight ended up on the ground, where Barrios discharged the firearm striking Aparicio twice,” in front of his wife, who was present at the scene. Lifesaving measures were attempted but Apariocio was pronounced deceased a short time later.  

Thomas Aparicio had grown up in east LA but had recently relocated and made Madera his new home. He had two overseas deployments with the United States Marine Corps, according to a GoFundMe fundraiser currently being held for the family. He leaves behind a wife, a two-year-old son, and an almost one-year-old daughter.  https://www.gofundme.com/f/thomas-aparicio

Police detectives were able to identify and locate both suspects about 12 hours later with the help of area surveillance cameras and assistance from the community. Gonzalo Barrios, 21, was arrested on charges of murder and is being held on a $1 million dollar bond. His alleged accomplice, Jose Perez, 20, has been arrested and charged with accessory to murder. He is also being held on a $1 million dollar bond. Both men, from Madera, may have had some gang affiliations, but no lengthy criminal history according to police.