Lakewood, California—A tragic series of events unfolded Thursday morning when a father allegedly shot his wife and youngest daughter before turning a gun on himself, all in the presence of his eldest daughter. Authorities responded to the incident just after 7:55 a.m. in a residential neighborhood, where the shocking details began to emerge.
Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to the 5800 block of Lorelei Avenue after receiving a distress call reporting gunfire. The initial caller, identified as a 19-year-old woman, indicated that her father had shot her and was now lying unconscious nearby.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered the distraught young woman, who was subsequently taken outside for questioning. Inside the home, deputies discovered three deceased individuals: the father, Hector Lionel Alfaro, 52; his wife, 48; and their 17-year-old daughter. Each victim had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Alfaro was found lying in a den, while his wife’s body was located in a bedroom. The teenage girl, who was the youngest of the three daughters, was discovered in a separate bedroom, also having sustained a gunshot wound. Investigators noted that the eldest daughter had been asleep when the violence erupted.
According to authorities, the situation escalated when the father approached his eldest daughter armed with a handgun, firing shots at her but ultimately missing. In a tragic conclusion to the events, Alfaro reportedly turned the gun on himself, taking his own life just moments later in front of his daughter.
Though the 19-year-old did not sustain any physical injuries, she was taken to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station for further investigation. Officials clarified that she is not considered a suspect in the case. A firearm was recovered from the scene, confirming the lethal nature of the incident.
Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel cleared the residence shortly after their arrival and did not transport anyone to the hospital. Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the community and have characterized the incident as an isolated matter.
Sheriff’s Capt. Daniel Holguin expressed the gravity of the situation, highlighting the impact it would have on a community known for its safety. He acknowledged the emotional turmoil such events bring, reiterating that the public is not at risk.
Anyone with information regarding this heartbreaking case is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau. For those wishing to remain anonymous, various options are available, including a hotline and an online portal.
In light of this tragedy, individuals facing suicidal thoughts or mental health crises are encouraged to reach out for support. A new three-digit hotline, 988, connects individuals to trained counselors who can provide help around the clock.