The quiet afternoon of June 18, 2026turned into a nightmare for the residents of Pomona when a fatal shooting at an apartment complex claimed the lives of two individuals. The incident, which occurred shortly after 3:20 p.m.sent shockwaves through the community and triggered a high-speed pursuit that captivated the region.
The victims, later identified as Veronica Lopez, 24and Richard Brady, 48were found in a hallway of the apartment complex located in the 100 block of East Monterey Avenue. The suspect, Robert Galtman, 48allegedly fled the scene, leading authorities on a dangerous chase that lasted over an hour and 30 minutes.
The Chase That Captivated the Region
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) spotted Galtman’s black Kia sedan on the northbound 5 Freeway in Sylmar, near Roxford Street, just before 5:30 p.m.. What followed was a high-speed pursuit that traversed Kern County and back into Los Angeles County. The chase ended when the CHP used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle.
During the pursuit, Galtman reportedly threw items from the car and drove dangerouslyaccording to reports from KTLA. The dramatic chase highlighted the urgency and risk involved in apprehending the suspect.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic loss of Veronica Lopez and Richard Brady has left their families and friends in profound grief. Sabrina Lopez, Veronica’s sister, expressed her devastation, stating, “I don’t know what happened or what led to this. I just know my sister is gone.” The family described Veronica as a vibrant individual who loved the 49ersboba drinks, her dogs, and spending time with loved ones.
Sabrina Lopez also emphasized the importance of raising awareness about domestic violencestating, “I want people to remember that domestic violence is never OK. No one deserves to live in fear, and no one deserves to have their life taken from them.” A GoFundMe campaign was created to help cover funeral and service expenses, reflecting the outpouring of support from the community.
The Victims: Remembering Veronica and Richard
Veronica Lopez, the youngest of five daughters, was known for her ability to make people laugh and her loving nature. Her family described her as a beacon of joy and a beloved member of their community. The loss of Veronica has left a void that her family struggles to comprehend.
Richard Brady, a resident of Pomona, was described by his older brother, David Brady, as a protector and a defender of women. David Brady revealed that Richard had helped Veronica out of an abusive situation, highlighting the tragic irony of their untimely deaths. Richard was known for his kindness and willingness to help others, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and support.
The suspect, Robert Galtman, was being held at the Pomona jail in lieu of a $3.1 million bail. The incident has sparked conversations about domestic violence and the urgent need for awareness and prevention.
The community of Pomona continues to mourn the loss of Veronica Lopez and Richard Brady, while the dramatic events of that fateful day serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence. As the investigation continues, the families of the victims seek justice and closure, hoping that their loved ones will be remembered for the beautiful people they were, not the tragedy that took them.
