A shocking murder-suicide in one of Los Angeles County’s safest cities has left a community reeling after a father executed his wife and teenage daughter before turning the gun on himself, raising urgent questions about domestic violence warning signs.
Story Highlights
- Father kills wife and 17-year-old daughter in Lakewood home before committing suicide
- 19-year-old daughter survives after father shoots at her but misses
- Community raises over $70,000 through GoFundMe for surviving family members
- Incident shocks residents of city known as one of LA County’s safest areas
Deadly Morning Rampage Rocks Safe Community
Hector Lionel Alfaro, 52, shattered the peace of Lakewood’s quiet residential streets Thursday morning when he systematically murdered his family members in their home on Lorelei Avenue. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies responded at 7:55 a.m. to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon, finding three victims dead from gunshot wounds. The rampage claimed the lives of 48-year-old Roxana Rodriguez and 17-year-old Sienna “Lilly” Alfaro before the gunman took his own life.
The sole survivor, a 19-year-old daughter whose name has not been released, escaped death when her father’s gunshot missed its mark. She fled the residence and called 911, reporting that her father had shot at her and appeared unconscious. Deputies discovered her distraught outside the home while firefighters cleared the scene by 8:51 a.m., with no survivors requiring hospital transport.
Investigation Reveals Horrific Family Destruction
Sheriff’s investigators found a methodical execution across multiple rooms of the family residence. Alfaro was discovered in the den with a gunshot wound to his upper torso, while Rodriguez was found in the bedroom with a fatal gunshot to her torso. The youngest victim, Sienna, suffered a gunshot wound to her upper torso in a second bedroom. Two firearms were recovered from the scene, indicating the father had armed himself for the deadly assault.
Captain Daniel Holguin of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the incident as an isolated murder-suicide with no ongoing public safety threat. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Early media reports incorrectly suggested the surviving daughter was a suspect, but officials quickly clarified she was a victim who cooperated with investigators.
Community Mourns Beloved Soccer Star
Seventeen-year-old Sienna “Lilly” Alfaro was remembered as a “ray of sunshine” by her soccer teammates at Beach Futbol Club. Hazel Ferman, a fellow player, described Sienna’s infectious energy that brightened everyone’s day. Neighbors characterized the family as “very nice” people, with the teenage victim described as particularly “sweet,” making the violent end all the more shocking for those who knew them.
The tragedy struck a community proud of its safety record, with Lakewood consistently ranking among Los Angeles County’s safest cities. This familicide represents a rare and devastating breach of that security, leaving residents grappling with the reality that domestic violence can lurk behind seemingly normal family facades. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of family annihilation cases, where warning signs often remain hidden from public view.
Fundraising Effort Supports Survivors
A candlelight vigil held Friday evening drew community members together to honor the victims and support the surviving family members. The gathering sparked a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $70,000 by Saturday afternoon, demonstrating the community’s commitment to helping survivors through their “long journey of healing.” The funds will assist with funeral expenses, counseling services, and living costs for those left behind.
Candlelight vigil held for victims of horrific California murder-suicide https://t.co/cF8h8LqLNi pic.twitter.com/TLS5Y7bQqW
— New York Post (@nypost) January 18, 2026
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder that domestic violence can escalate without warning, even in families that appear stable to outsiders. The promotion of mental health resources, including the 988 suicide prevention lifeline, underscores the critical need for intervention services that might prevent such devastating family destructions. The case reinforces concerns about firearm access in domestic violence situations, where multiple weapons enabled a father to systematically destroy his own family.
Sources:
Woman detained after 3 shot dead at Lakewood home – AOL
