On a seemingly ordinary evening in Eugene, Oregon, a vibrant life was tragically extinguished in the parking lot of the Walmart on West 11th Avenue. At approximately 5:18 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2025, the sound of gunshots shattered the calm, prompting a swift response from the Eugene Police Department. Officers arrived to find 21-year-old Jimmy Lagarda fatally wounded, his life taken in a senseless act of violence.
According to witnesses, the incident stemmed from a heated argument between Lagarda and another individual. As Lagarda attempted to walk away, seeking to de-escalate the situation, the other man allegedly drew a firearm and shot him in the back. Despite the rapid response from emergency services, Lagarda succumbed to his injuries, leaving a community in shock and a family in mourning.
The Eugene Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit is diligently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Authorities have confirmed that the individual who fired the gun remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. However, it remains unclear whether the shooter has been arrested or if charges are pending. The police have withheld further details about the suspect or the motive, focusing on piecing together the events that led to this tragedy.
The Walmart store at 4550 W. 11th Avenue remained open for business, though half of its parking lot was cordoned off with police tape for several hours as investigators worked the scene. Shoppers faced delays retrieving their vehicles, and traffic along West 11th Avenue continued to flow, but the weight of the incident cast a pall over the area. Kevin Haynes, a 23-year resident of Eugene, expressed the community’s grief: “It’s just sad that it happens like this. I knew stuff like this could happen, but it’s heartbreaking when it does.”
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, offering a direct line to Detective Cliff Sites at 541-682-5147. As the investigation continues, the loss of Jimmy Lagarda serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the ripple effects of violence in a tight-knit community.