A Kansas City man faces multiple felony charges after allegedly shooting and killing a CVS employee during a workplace confrontation in North Kansas City, Missouri.
Antonio Serrano, 29, has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action, and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the death of 42-year-old Rusty Donovan. The shooting occurred on Thursday, November 6, 2025, around 3 p.m. at the CVS location at 1914 Swift Street.
According to court documents, surveillance video from inside the store shows Serrano entering the pharmacy and immediately pointing a handgun at a female employee behind the counter. He then turned the weapon toward Donovan and fired multiple shots. Reports indicate Donovan was shot approximately eight times during the attack.
Officers arriving at the scene found Donovan behind the checkout counter with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Serrano was taken into custody without further incident after allegedly telling officers he was not going to hurt anyone else.
Court records reveal the shooting was domestic in nature. Serrano’s former girlfriend, who is also a CVS employee, had been living with Donovan following her recent breakup with Serrano. The woman was not at the store during the shooting.
After the shooting, Serrano allegedly walked around the store and directed an employee to call 911, stating he wanted to turn himself in. He then removed the magazine from his handgun and placed the weapon on the counter before police arrived. “When police arrived, they located a gunshot victim, later identified as 42-year-old Rusty Donovan, deceased behind the checkout counter,” according to court documents.
During an interview with detectives, Serrano allegedly acknowledged his actions could have been worse. According to sources, he told police he could have hurt more people but decided not to. He also allegedly stated he felt sorry for killing Donovan and did not know why he did it.
Court documents indicate this was not Serrano’s first confrontation at the CVS. He allegedly visited the same store approximately one week before the shooting to confront Donovan about a text message, which prompted a police response due to alleged threats made during that encounter.
According to court filings, Serrano told investigators he had consumed eight beers throughout the day on Thursday. He also allegedly told detectives he considered fleeing and stated he could have shot the responding officers if he wanted to.
Court records show Serrano has a prior criminal history, including a conviction for resisting arrest in November 2019 in Jackson County.
Clay County Prosecutor Zach Thompson addressed the charges in a news release. “I commend the North Kansas City Police Department for a rapid and ongoing investigation that allowed us to file charges on this horrific crime,” Thompson said. “Our prayers are for all those affected by this shocking and brutal act of violence. All defendants are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law.”
The investigation by North Kansas City police enabled prosecutors to file charges within 24 hours of the incident. Serrano remains in custody at the Clay County Detention Center.
The shooting has left the North Kansas City community shaken, as the incident occurred in the middle of the afternoon at a retail location frequented by local residents. The case highlights ongoing concerns about workplace violence and domestic disputes spilling into public spaces.
Serrano faces life imprisonment if convicted of first-degree murder. The armed criminal action and unlawful firearm possession charges carry additional penalties under Missouri law.
