Lakewood Tragedy: Father Kills Wife, Daughter, Then Himself
A tragic incident unfolded in Lakewood, California, where a father fatally shot his wife and youngest daughter before taking his own life. This disturbing event occurred on a Thursday morning, with authorities responding to the scene after receiving reports of gunfire.
Timeline of Events
At approximately 7:55 a.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies received a call from a distraught 19-year-old woman. She reported that her father had shot at her and was unconscious on the floor. When deputies arrived at the home located on Lorelei Avenue, they found three deceased individuals.
Victims Identified
- Hector Lionel Alfaro: 52 years old, the shooter.
- 48-year-old Wife: Victim of gunshot wound.
- 17-year-old Daughter: Victim of gunshot wound.
Deputies discovered Alfaro lying in the den with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His wife was found in a bedroom, and the couple’s 17-year-old daughter was also found deceased in another room. The eldest daughter, 19, had heard the gunshots and encountered her father armed with a handgun, yet she escaped unharmed.
Community Reaction
Lakewood has been known as one of the safest cities in Los Angeles, making this incident particularly shocking for residents. Sheriff’s Captain Daniel Holguin emphasized that this tragedy would deeply impact the community, but reassured that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Investigation Status
Investigators confirmed that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident. A handgun was recovered at the scene. The 19-year-old woman was not deemed a suspect and was interviewed by law enforcement.
Resources for Mental Health Support
Authorities encourage anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be contacted by calling or texting 988. Trained counselors are available 24/7.
For anyone with information regarding this murder-suicide, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau can be reached at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
