The 2025 killing took place after Darin McFarlin and the victim argued over the portrayal of a firefighter in a film they were watching
Credit: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
NEED TO KNOW
- Former fire captain Darin McFarlin was sentenced to life without parole for killing his fiancée and her son in 2025
- The murders occurred after an argument about the portrayal of a firefighter in the 2008 film Fireproof
- McFarlin apologized in court, and prosecutors said the sentence ensures he can never harm anyone again
A former fire captain in California has been sentenced following the August 2025 murder of his fiancée and her son that took place after an argument over how a firefighter was portrayed in a movie they were watching.
The El Dorado County District Attorney's Office announced in a press release that Darin McFarlin, 47, will serve two consecutive terms of life without the possibility of parole, as well as an additional life term, 50 years to life, and 15 years for the murder of Marissa Divodi-Lessa Herzog, 29, and her 7-year-old son.
According to the press release, on Aug. 21, 2025, McFarlin sat down to watch a movie with his fiancée and her two children about a firefighter who was struggling with his personal life, which was later identified as the 2008 Christian faith-based film Fireproof, per The Sacramento Bee.
Credit: Emily Meinzer/GoFundMe
At the time, McFarlin was working at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), according to a previous media release from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office.
He was a captain at the agency, where he had been employed since 2000, and was later fired following his arrest, The Sacramento Bee reported.
McFarlin became angry at the movie's portrayal and stormed off to his room, prompting Divodi-Lessa to follow him, the D.A.'s Friday press release states.
Credit: El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
This caused an argument to break out between the two, during which McFarlin strangled Divodi-Lessa.
The press release states that Divodi-Lessa fled the room, stating she was going to file a domestic violence report.
"Knowing his career would be over if the incident were reported, McFarlin retrieved a loaded firearm and followed her into the dining area, where he found her on the phone with a family member," the press release reads.
"He struck her over the head with the firearm, checked the phone, and then shot her in the head, while her 7-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter were in the room," the press release continues. "He then turned the gun on the young boy and fired, killing him."
According to the press release, McFarlin then pointed the gun at the 9-year-old girl, who begged for mercy.
Credit: GoFundMe
She managed to escape by running around a kitchen wall, preventing him from getting a clear view. He ultimately told her to exit through a dog door, then put his phone in airplane mode and fled the scene, according to police.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said in its media release that McFarlin was "located just after midnight and detained in Mono County without incident."
The 9-year-old was later found safe, per the media release.
Credit: El Dorado County District Attorney
After being sentenced in court on Monday, April 13, McFarlin said he was "truly very sorry" for what he did, "especially" to Divodi-Lessa's 9-year-old daughter, The Sacramento Bee reported.
“This was a horrific and senseless act of violence that stole two innocent lives and forever changed a family," said District Attorney Vern Pierson during sentencing.
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"Today’s sentence ensures that the defendant will never again have the opportunity to harm another person," he continued. "Our hearts remain with the surviving child and all those who loved Marissa and her son.”
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