The Lakewood community is grappling with the devastating aftermath of a fatal shooting that claimed the lives of a mother and her youngest daughter before ending in the death of the father in what authorities are describing as a murder-suicide. The incident occurred Thursday morning on Lorelei Avenue near South Street.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon at approximately 7:55 a.m. Upon arrival, they were met by an “extremely distraught” 19-year-old woman, who was later identified as the eldest daughter of the family. She was unharmed but taken to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station for questioning. Authorities emphasized that she was not a suspect or person of interest in the case.
Inside the residence, deputies discovered three deceased individuals. The father, 52-year-old Hector Lionel Alfaro, was found in the den with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. His 48-year-old wife was located in a bedroom with a gunshot wound, and their 17-year-old daughter, the youngest child, was found in another bedroom with a fatal gunshot wound to her upper torso.
According to investigators, the 19-year-old eldest daughter was asleep in the home when she heard gunfire. Authorities said that Alfaro then appeared near her, armed with a handgun, and fired several shots at her. Miraculously, she was not struck. He then turned the gun on himself, resulting in his death in front of his daughter.
Deputies confirmed that a firearm was recovered from the residence. The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that the scene was cleared by 8:51 a.m., and no one was transported to a hospital.
The motive behind the tragic events has not been publicly disclosed, and investigators continue to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting. LASD Lt. Daniel Vizcarra stressed that the 19-year-old daughter had no involvement in the incident and was cooperating fully with authorities.
This harrowing event has left the Lakewood community in shock and mourning. Neighbors and local residents expressed deep sorrow as details emerged of the lives lost in the family home. Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
The Lakewood Sheriff’s Department continues to work to provide answers and support for the surviving family members while addressing the broader impact of the tragedy on the community.
Hector Lionel Alfaro, his wife, and their youngest daughter are remembered not only as victims of this devastating incident but as members of a family whose lives were tragically cut short. The community now faces the difficult task of grieving and healing in the wake of this shocking event.
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