Fil-Am gym custodian shot dead in Daly City

NEW YORK - A Filipino-American gym custodian died last week after he was fatally shot in Daly City, California.

The victim, identified as Rolando Viray Yanga, 60, was reportedly shot after he confronted a 21-year-old gym member for not adhering to hygiene protocols.

Yanga was pronounced dead at the scene after the suspect, Maarij Afridi, allegedly shot him eight times outside his home around 7 p.m. on September 29.

According to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, Afridi became enraged after Yanga confronted him for refusing to follow the gym’s hygiene rules, leading to a heated argument.

Reports indicate that Afridi waited for Yanga after the incident, followed him to his home, and then shot him.

Security footage obtained by Daly City Police shows Afridi’s vehicle trailing Yanga’s car. Moments later, eight gunshots were heard on the recording.

Afridi fled the scene but was apprehended by the Daly City SWAT Team at his residence the next day.

His mother, Zaib Un Nisa Afridi, 50, was also arrested on suspicion of being an accessory for allegedly driving her son’s getaway vehicle.

In a message to GMA Integrated News, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo, who is Filipino-American, condemned the brutal killing of Yanga.

"Our hearts go out to the family of Rolando Yanga, a 60-year-old Daly City resident who tragically fell victim to a senseless act of gun violence on September 29, 2024. As a community, we mourn your loss, and while no words can ease the pain during this difficult time, please know that we grieve with you,” the mayor said

Manalo also stated that Yanga’s death is the first homicide case in Daly City this year.

“This marks Daly City's first homicide case in 2024, and even one is too many for our community to bear. It is rare for such a tragedy to occur here, making this loss all the more profound.”

She praised the Daly City Police Department for their prompt action in identifying the suspect using advanced technology that led them to the gunman.

“I want to commend the Daly City Police Department for their swift action in apprehending the suspects, utilizing Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR) and other advanced technologies, as well as their exemplary investigative work, which led to the arrests in less than 24 hours," Manalo said.

Afridi has been charged with murder, while his mother faces charges of being an accessory. Both are currently being held at the Daly City County Jail.

Yanga is survived by his wife, four children, and several grandchildren.

His family, in a statement on their GoFundMe page, expressed their deep grief over the sudden and violent loss of their patriarch.

“We are devastated to share the tragic loss of our beloved father, Rolando, whose life was taken far too soon in a senseless act of violence. As we struggle to come to terms with this unimaginable reality," the statement read. —KG, GMA Integrated News