A gunman shot and killed a gym worker in Daly City, California after a dispute over gym rules escalated into a fatal confrontation.
The victim, 60-year-old, Filipino American Rolando Viray Yanga, was shot multiple times outside his home on the evening of Sunday, Sept. 29, after being followed from the Fitness 19 gym where he worked as a custodian.
The shooter, 21-year-old Maarji Afridi, and his mother, Zaib Afridi, have both been arrested in connection with the murder.
According to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe, the conflict began over cleanliness issues at the gym. Yanga had reportedly confronted Afridi, a frequent member, about his disruptive behavior, including walking barefoot and improper use of the locker room; including putting things in the toilet. The argument escalated, leading Afridi to follow Yanga home and shoot him in what authorities have described as an “execution-style” killing.
Yanga, known for his commitment to maintaining order at the gym, approached Afridi on Sunday to address his repeated violations of gym rules. Afridi, who had been “known to cause trouble” at the facility, did not take the confrontation well. Surveillance footage captured Afridi following Yanga’s vehicle after the gym worker left for home. Just minutes after Yanga pulled up at his house on South Mayfair Avenue, eight gunshots rang out, ending Yanga’s life.
“It’s an execution murder,” Wagstaffe said. “He gets within 15 feet of him and opens fire… Then the suspect walked up to him and pumped additional rounds into him at point-blank range”. Police arrived at the scene shortly after 7 p.m. and found Yanga unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The next day, police used surveillance footage to track down Afridi and his 50-year-old mother, Zaib Un Nisa Afridi. They arrested both of them outside their apartment complex, just two miles from the crime scene. Wagstaffe stated that Zaib Afridi allegedly acted as an accomplice, driving the getaway car.
Maarji Afridi faces murder charges, with additional special circumstances enhancements, including lying in wait, which could result in a life sentence without the possibility of parole. His mother faces an accessory to a felony charge, and both are in custody without bail.
The motive behind the shooting has shocked both law enforcement and the local community. “The confrontation here was over cleanliness at the gym,” Wagstaffe reiterated. “This was a senseless killing, and we will pursue justice for Mr. Yanga.”
Yanga’s family and friends have been devastated by his tragic death. A GoFundMe campaign by Yanga’s relatives to help cover funeral expenses has already raised over $50,000. Friends described Yanga as a kind and generous man who is deeply valued by those around him. “He was always thinking of other people, sharing what he had, and giving his best to everyone,” a family friend said.
One friend described Yanga as “an older brother or uncle… highly cherished and respected.” His commitment to his work and positive influence on those around him have left a lasting impact. His family expressed their deep sorrow but also gratitude for the outpouring of support during this difficult time.
The murder has sent shockwaves through the Daly City community, where residents are grappling with the brutal nature of Yanga’s death. Fitness 19 gym members expressed disbelief over how a simple dispute over cleanliness could result in such a horrific act of violence. “It’s shocking to think something like this could happen over gym rules,” one gym patron commented.
The Daly City Police Department and San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office continue investigating. Although they have not found any additional suspects, authorities want to reassure the community that there is no ongoing threat. Right now, they are focusing on ensuring that justice prevails for Yanga and his grieving family.