A 29-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder after allegedly shooting a CVS employee eight times in what authorities describe as a domestic-related attack at a North Kansas City, Missouri pharmacy.
Antonio Serrano faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful firearm possession, following the Thursday, November 6, shooting at the CVS Pharmacy located at 1914 Swift Street. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. when officers responded to reports of gunfire at the store.
Police discovered 42-year-old Rusty Donovan, a CVS employee, dead behind the checkout counter with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities arrested Serrano at the scene without further incident after he allegedly asked store employees to call 911 and indicated he wanted to turn himself in.
Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives showed Serrano entering the store and immediately walking to the checkout counter, where he first pointed a handgun at a female employee. The video then captured him turning the weapon toward Donovan and opening fire. According to court documents, Serrano continued shooting at Donovan even after he fell to the ground, leaning over the counter to fire additional shots.
The shooting was reportedly connected to Serrano’s recent separation from a female employee who worked at the CVS location. Court documents indicate that this woman had been living with Donovan at the time of the attack. She was not present at the store when Serrano arrived that afternoon.
During police interviews, Serrano made statements about the shooting. He told detectives he “could have hurt more people but decided not to,” according to court documents. Serrano at first said he didn’t want to discuss the shooting, but later reportedly admitted he regretted killing Donovan.
The incident was not Serrano’s first appearance at the CVS location. Court documents reveal that approximately one week before the fatal shooting, Serrano had visited the store and confronted the above-mentioned female employee, his former partner, regarding a text message, which resulted in a police response due to his making threats against her.
Police recovered nine shell casings from the scene.
According to sources, Serrano has been arrested multiple times in the past and was convicted of resisting arrest and fleeing police in 2019.
Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson addressed the case after charges were filed. The North Kansas City Police Department conducted a rapid investigation that led to the criminal charges.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as detectives continue to process evidence and interview witnesses. After walking around the store following the shooting, Serrano allegedly located an employee and requested that they call emergency services so he could surrender to authorities.
The case highlights concerns about workplace violence and domestic disputes spilling into public spaces. The fact that Serrano had previously confronted employees at the same location raises questions about security protocols and threat assessment in retail settings.
Serrano is currently being held in Clay County custody as he awaits further court proceedings on the murder and weapons charges.