A devastating act of domestic violence has left seven children without their mother after fitness influencer Gloria Zamora was murdered by her estranged husband in a shocking restaurant shooting.
The 40-year-old California mother, who inspired over 150,000 Instagram followers with her fitness content and motivational messages, died alongside her dinner companion in what authorities describe as a premeditated attack.
On Saturday evening around 9:40 p.m., Thomas Alberto Tamayo Lizarraga, 45, tracked down his estranged wife at Summa Sushi restaurant in Fontana’s Falcon Ridge Town Center.
Zamora had been dining with Hector Garduno, a 43-year-old father of four, when Lizarraga confronted them in the parking lot.
The gunman opened fire on both victims before an off-duty San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputy, who heard the gunshots while driving nearby, intervened and fatally shot the attacker.
Zamora and Garduno succumbed to their injuries at a local hospital, leaving behind a combined 11 children who now face an uncertain future.
The shooting occurred amid ongoing divorce proceedings between Zamora and Lizarraga, with police noting the couple’s estranged relationship had deteriorated significantly.
Just days before her death, Zamora appeared on the HERizon podcast, where she spoke candidly about her troubled marriage.
She shared how her husband undermined her fitness journey and social media presence, telling listeners about his cruel comments regarding her appearance and success.
Her final Instagram post featuring the podcast carried the haunting caption: “with husbands like these, who needs enemies?“
Gloria Zamora’s Kids Face Life Without Their Mom After Tragic Attack
Gloria Zamora leaves behind seven children whose ages span from 8 to 24 years old, creating a heartbreaking spectrum of loss that ranges from young elementary school children to young adults just beginning their own lives.
The children now face the devastating reality of growing up without their mother’s guidance, love, and support during some of their most formative years.
Jazlynee Zamora, one of Gloria’s daughters, has emerged as a spokesperson for the family during this tragic time.
She organized a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $28,000 to help cover funeral expenses and support her six siblings through the difficult months ahead.
In her fundraising appeal, Jazlynee describes the profound impact her mother’s death has had on the family, both emotionally and financially.
The known names of six of Gloria’s seven children include Natalie, Cristian, Olivia, Christopher, Camila, and Jazlynee.
The seventh child’s name has not been publicly disclosed, likely to protect their privacy during this traumatic period.
These children range from elementary school age to young adults, meaning they will experience grief and healing at vastly different developmental stages.
Jazlynee’s heartfelt words capture the essence of who their mother was beyond her social media presence:
“My mom was more than just a mother — she was a light in her community. She uplifted and inspired countless women, reminding them of their worth, their strength, and their potential.”
GoFundMe
The daughter emphasized how Gloria lived by her own motto: “Women can do anything they set their minds to,” demonstrating daily courage, kindness, and determination that touched everyone who knew her.
The family now faces the overwhelming challenge of navigating life without their mother’s warmth and unconditional love.
The younger children, including the 8-year-old, will grow up with limited memories of their mother.
In comparison, the older children must grapple with the violent circumstances of her death, potentially taking on caretaking responsibilities for their younger siblings.
The community has rallied around Gloria’s children, with the GoFundMe campaign serving as both a practical lifeline and a testament to their mother’s positive impact.
The funds will help ease the immediate financial burden of funeral costs while providing some stability as the children adjust to their new reality.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Thomas Alberto Tamayo Lizarraga was her “second husband,” indicating she had been married before.
- Police noted that Gloria had been dining at the sushi restaurant for about an hour prior to when Lizarraga arrived and carried out the attack.
- In her podcast appearance, Gloria revealed that Lizarraga would tell her “you’re not even all that. You have all these stretch marks” when criticizing her fitness journey and social media presence.
