Mother-of-two gunned down in BBQ restaurant in front of horrified diners before killer shot himself dead

A California mother and devoted nurse was tragically gunned down by her ex-boyfriend in a horrific act of violence while she was dining at a Korean BBQ restaurant.

Jacqueline Medrano, 45, was fatally shot by Jonathan Wang, 35, inside Gui Gui 9292 in La Habra, on October 14.

Investigators said Wang entered the restaurant and fired shots at Medrano in front of horrified diners and staff, before turning the gun on himself.

Police responded to the ‘shots fired’ call just before 7pm, where they located the two suffering from gunshot wound injuries.

The two were declared dead at the scene by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Medrano and Wang were previously involved in a romantic relationship, investigators confirmed the crime was targeted.

Wang had an active criminal protective order issued against him, that prohibited him from contacting Medrano, KTLA reported.

Jacqueline Medrano, 45, was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend in an unthinkable public act of violence

Jacqueline Medrano, 45, was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend in an unthinkable public act of violence

The 45-year-old and mother-of-two was urology nurse the Kaiser Permanente facility

The 45-year-old and mother-of-two was urology nurse the Kaiser Permanente facility

Gui Gui Korean BBQ in La Habra (pictured) where the barbaric murder-suicide took place

Gui Gui Korean BBQ in La Habra (pictured) where the barbaric murder-suicide took place

The gunman was previously arrested in July because of a domestic violence incident. The Long Beach City Prosecutor’s Office alleged ‘he willfully caused injury to his girlfriend, Jacqueline Medrano.’

Wang ‘punched Medrano one time in the mouth, grabbed her by the front of the neck, pushed her to the ground, then held her down by the back of her neck,’ according to her statement.

The protective order also barred the gunman from possessing any type of firearm. He was scheduled to return to court in November.

Family members said the 45-year-old was taking the necessary precautions to protect herself and her 17-year-old son, but Wang continued to stalk her.

Her killer even showed up to her workplace – the Kaiser Permanente facility in Anaheim, where she was a urology nurse.

‘It just proves how hard working she was,’ Maria Barragan, Medrano’s coworker, told KTLA. ‘All that she was going through, you would have never known.’

An evening vigil honoring the beloved mother-of-two was held in San Pedro on Thursday night.

Friends and family are furious with the justice system and believe it failed to protect her.

Medrano is remembered ‘as someone whose laughter could light up a room, whose compassion extended to everyone she met, and whose presence brought joy and comfort to those around her,’ her memorial website reads.

Medrano is remembered 'as someone whose laughter could light up a room'

Medrano is remembered ‘as someone whose laughter could light up a room’

The 45-year-old was known for her 'warmth, generosity, and bright spirit,' and passion for motorcycles

The 45-year-old was known for her ‘warmth, generosity, and bright spirit,’ and passion for motorcycles

An evening vigil honoring the beloved mother-of-two was held in San Pedro on Thursday night

An evening vigil honoring the beloved mother-of-two was held in San Pedro on Thursday night

‘She’s my hero, my role model forever in life and no one can take that away,’ Medrano’s niece, Magali Rodriguez, told KTLA.

The 45-year-old was known for her ‘warmth, generosity, and bright spirit,’ and passion for motorcycles. Her greatest joys in life were her two sons.

‘She’s not a victim. She’s a hero,’ Rodriguez said.

In a statement, the restaurant gave their condolences to Medrano’s family and ensured they have taken additional measures to ensure the safety of their guests.

‘Our hearts are heavy, but we remain committed to being a safe and welcoming place for our community,’ they wrote. ‘Thank you for your understanding and continued support.’