NEED TO KNOW
- Three people, who are believed to be family members, were shot and killed inside their California home
- A fourth, “extremely distraught” teen, survived the incident
- Police said in a press conference that this appears to be “an isolated incident, and there’s no safety issues to the public right now”
Three family members are dead following a shooting in a California residence. A fourth, who was shot at inside the home, has survived.
At approximately 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15, deputies from Lakewood Station responded to an assault with a deadly weapon call, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Lt. Daniel Vizcarra said during a press conference that same morning.
The victims were identified as 52-year-old Hector Lionel Alfaro, his 48-year-old wife and the couple’s 17-year-old daughter, ABC 7, NBC Los Angeles, and CBS News reported Friday, Jan. 15.
A 19-year-old was shot at, but did not sustain any wounds. Her identity and the identity of the 17-year-old who was killed were not shared during Thursday’s briefing.
When reached by PEOPLE, the LASD said it does not have any further information to add.
During the press conference, officials described the young woman as “extremely distraught” as she ran out of her home in the 5800 block of Lorelei Avenue.
Vizcarra explained that when deputies arrived, “They found two females and a male, all of which were suffering from gunshot wounds to their upper torso. Those individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.”
While taking questions from the media, Vizcarra was asked if the shooting was ruled out as a murder-suicide.
“There is no outside threat. There is no threat to the community at this point,” the lieutenant replied. “I will let the captain address community issues, but we have not ruled anything out at this point.”
He also reiterated that the 19-year-old had not yet been interviewed at the time, which would give authorities a clearer picture of what took place inside the home.
Vizcarra added that it was too early in their investigation to know whether or not there was a history of domestic violence at the residence.
A gun was recovered from inside of the home, authorities confirmed Thursday morning.
“Obviously this incident is a tragedy to the City of Lakewood. Lakewood is one of the safest cities in L.A. County,” Capt. Dan Holguin said at the press conference.
Holguin added that the shooting appeared to be “an isolated incident, and there’s no safety issues to the public right now.”
Authorities said they were notified of the shooting by a 911 caller who said she had been asleep and was awakened by the sound of gunshots before her father appeared near her, firing several shots at her, ABC 7 reported, citing the sheriff’s office.
She was not struck. The father then shot himself, according to the sheriff’s department, per NBC Los Angeles.
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The bodies of his wife and youngest daughter were found in separate bedrooms, per NBC Los Angeles.
Anyone with information about this tragedy is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website lacrimestoppers.org.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
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