At a Glance
- A 52-year-old father shot his wife, 48, and their 17-year-old daughter inside their Lorelei Avenue home.
- The couple’s 19-year-old daughter escaped after her father fired at her but missed.
- Two firearms were recovered and authorities say there is no public threat.
- Why it matters: The incident marks the year’s first high-profile domestic-violence homicide in the region, prompting renewed calls for early-intervention resources.
A Lakewood family is dead after what the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department describes as an apparent murder-suicide carried out by the father, who also tried to kill his eldest daughter before taking his own life.
Victims Identified
Deputies found Hector Lionel Alfaro, 52, on the den floor with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. In separate bedrooms they discovered his wife, 48, and their 17-year-old daughter, both shot in the torso. The 19-year-old survivor told investigators she woke to gunfire shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday and saw her father enter her room firing a handgun. She escaped uninjured and ran outside, shouting “her dad shot at her,” according to the sheriff’s department.
Timeline of Events
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| ~8:00 a.m. Thursday | 911 call reports assault with deadly weapon on Lorelei Avenue near South Street |
| Minutes later | Deputies arrive, see 19-year-old fleeing the home |
| Upon entry | Alfaro and two family members found with fatal torso wounds |
| Later Thursday | Officials announce no outstanding suspect; two firearms recovered |
Investigation Status
Detectives detained a woman for questioning but have not labeled her a suspect. The department reiterated there is “no outstanding suspect and no threat to the public,” ending a brief shelter-in-place request that lasted several hours.
Key Evidence
- Two handguns seized inside the residence
- Autopsy reports pending to confirm manner of death
- Survivor’s statement provides primary narrative of events
Community Reaction
Neighbors described the family as quiet and said they rarely saw conflict. “It’s chilling to think something so violent happened behind closed doors,” one resident told News Of Losangeles. Local churches and the school district have offered counseling to students and staff affected by the loss of the 17-year-old, a senior at a nearby high school.
Domestic-Violence Resources
Advocacy groups note the killings illustrate how quickly domestic disputes can turn lethal when firearms are present. Shelters across Los Angeles County report heightened demand for emergency housing and legal aid in the wake of the tragedy.
Where to Get Help
- 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
- Local crisis shelters offering safe beds and legal advocates
- School-based mental-health teams on standby for students
Key Takeaways
- A single survivor’s quick action alerted authorities and prevented further harm
- Two guns found on scene underscore the lethal role firearms can play in family violence
- Officials stress the incident was isolated, easing broader public safety concerns
