FONTANA, CALIFORNIA — A fitness influencer mom and her business partner were tragically shot and killed outside a strip mall sushi restaurant in Fontana on Sunday night.
The suspected shooter, later identified as Gloria Zamora’s estranged husband, was shot and killed by an off-duty sheriff’s deputy who heard the gunfire.
Gloria Zamora, 40, and her business partner, Hector Garduno, 43, were meeting to discuss an upcoming project when the shooting occurred in the parking lot. The two were taken to the hospital, but unfortunately, both succumbed to their injuries.
The Victims: A Mother’s Legacy and Family’s Loss
Zamora was a well-known fitness influencer with a dedicated following on social media, amassing 155,000 followers on Instagram and 85,000 on TikTok. She regularly posted fitness advice for moms, inspiring countless women through her content.
Family members remembered her as hardworking and deeply committed to her family, with big plans for the future, including opening a women’s gym.
Her daughter, Jazlynne Zamora, 24, shared the heartbreak of losing her mother in a fundraising post. “I’m just waiting for her to walk in through the door and come in laughing.
It’s just so hard,” Jazlynne said. “She was more than just a mother. She was a light in her community. She uplifted and inspired countless women, reminding them of their worth, their strength, and their potential.”
Jazlynne remembered her mother’s mantra, saying, “She always said, ‘Women can do anything they set their minds to,’ and she lived those words every day.”
The Tragic Incident: Estranged Husband the Suspected Shooter
According to the Fontana Police Department, the shooting occurred as Zamora and Garduno were wrapping up their business meeting. The suspected shooter, identified as Zamora’s estranged husband, approached the parking lot and opened fire on the pair.
Police say the shooter’s identity was confirmed through an ongoing investigation, but it remains unclear how he knew Zamora and Garduno were at the strip mall. The off-duty sheriff’s deputy who responded to the scene managed to kill the shooter, preventing any further violence.
Jazlynne Zamora spoke about her mother’s tumultuous relationship with her estranged husband, revealing that the marriage was marked by physical, mental, and emotional abuse.
“He was always very abusive to my mom,” she said, reflecting on a relationship that lasted over 15 years. “Every day was a fight and argument.”
Remembering Hector Garduno: A Devoted Father and Family Man
Hector Garduno’s family also expressed their grief over the senseless loss. According to family members, Garduno was a devoted father of four daughters, a hardworking man who did everything for his family.
“He lived life with strength and did everything he could for his four daughters and family. His passing has left a hole in our hearts and a void in our lives that can never be filled,” his family said in a tribute.
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Community Response: A Heartfelt Loss
In the wake of the tragedy, the San Bernardino County community has come together to support the families of the victims. Jazlynne Zamora has expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of support from the community, noting how her mother’s work inspired and uplifted many.
Father Joe’s Villages, a local organization dedicated to helping those in need, credited Zamora for her role in helping women gain strength and empowerment through fitness.
While the families mourn the loss of two beloved individuals, they also hope that their story will encourage awareness of domestic abuse and the impact it can have on families.
What Do You Think?
What actions should be taken to prevent domestic violence and ensure better protection for those in abusive relationships? Share your thoughts in the comments below on RidgecrestPact.org.
