At a Glance
- A 52-year-old father shot and killed his wife, 48, and their 17-year-old daughter in their Lakewood, California home
- The couple’s 19-year-old daughter escaped unharmed after her father fired shots at her
- Authorities recovered a gun inside the residence and have ruled out any outside threat to the community
- Why it matters: The tragedy shatters the image of Lakewood as “one of the safest cities in L.A. County” and highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence
A California father is believed to have murdered his wife and teenage daughter before turning the gun on himself in what authorities are calling an isolated domestic incident that has left the Lakewood community reeling.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded to the 5800 block of Lorelei Avenue around 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15 after receiving a 911 call from the family’s 19-year-old daughter, who reported being awakened by gunshots before her father fired shots at her.
The Victims
Deputies discovered three bodies inside the home:
- Hector Lionel Alfaro, 52, the father
- His 48-year-old wife (name not released)
- Their 17-year-old daughter (name not released)
All three sustained gunshot wounds to their upper torso and were pronounced dead at the scene, according to Lt. Daniel Vizcarra of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
The 19-year-old survivor, described by officials as “extremely distraught,” managed to escape the home uninjured after her father shot at her. Authorities found the bodies of the mother and youngest daughter in separate bedrooms throughout the house.
The Investigation
During a press conference Thursday morning, Lt. Vizcarra confirmed that a gun was recovered from inside the residence. When asked whether the incident had been ruled a murder-suicide, he stated that investigators had “not ruled anything out at this point.”
“There is no outside threat. There is no threat to the community at this point,” Vizcarra emphasized. “This appears to be an isolated incident, and there’s no safety issues to the public right now.”
The lieutenant noted that the surviving daughter had not yet been formally interviewed by detectives, which he said would provide crucial details about the sequence of events inside the home.
Community Impact
Capt. Dan Holguin addressed the media during the briefing, acknowledging the devastating effect on the tight-knit community.
“Obviously this incident is a tragedy to the City of Lakewood. Lakewood is one of the safest cities in L.A. County,” Holguin said. “This appears to be an isolated incident, and there’s no safety issues to the public right now.”
The captain’s words offered little comfort to neighbors who awoke to find their street transformed into a crime scene, with yellow tape blocking access to the family’s home and sheriff’s vehicles lining the typically quiet residential block.
Unanswered Questions
Authorities have not disclosed whether there was a documented history of domestic violence at the residence, with Lt. Vizcarra stating it was “too early in their investigation” to make that determination.
The sheriff’s department has not released additional details about what may have precipitated the violence, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. News Of Losangeles reached out to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for further information, but representatives said they had nothing to add beyond what was shared during the press conference.
Seeking Justice and Support
Detectives are urging anyone with information about this tragedy to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
For those who prefer to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers is available by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477), using the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
In light of this tragedy, officials are also reminding community members about mental health resources. Those struggling with emotional distress, substance use problems, or mental health challenges can call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org for 24/7 support.
Key Takeaways
- The incident represents a rare act of extreme domestic violence in a community known for its safety
- The 19-year-old survivor’s quick thinking likely saved her life
- Authorities emphasize there is no ongoing threat to Lakewood residents
- The investigation remains active as detectives work to understand what led to this family tragedy
