by Lakewood, CA – A Southern California family was torn apart Thursday morning after a father fatally shot his wife and teenage daughter before turning the gun on himself inside their Lakewood home. Authorities say the man also fired at his eldest daughter, who survived physically unharmed but witnessed her father take his own life.
Incident Overview
The deadly shooting unfolded around 8 a.m. Thursday at a residence on the 5800 block of Loreile Avenue in Lakewood, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators identified the shooter as Hector Lionel Alfaro, 52, who authorities say used a handgun during the attack.
Deputies said Alfaro shot his 48-year-old wife and his 17-year-old daughter in the upper torso inside the family home. He then targeted his 19-year-old daughter, firing multiple rounds but missing her before killing himself in front of her.
All three victims — Alfaro, his wife, and the younger daughter — were pronounced dead at the scene.
Timeline of Events Inside the Home
Sheriff’s officials said the 19-year-old daughter was asleep when the gunfire erupted, waking her to the sound of multiple shots echoing through the house. As she attempted to flee, Alfaro fired several times in her direction but did not strike her.
Deputies responding to reports of an assault with a deadly weapon entered the home and found Alfaro in the family den suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His wife and teenage daughter were discovered in separate bedrooms.
Despite the chaos, the surviving daughter was not physically injured.
Response From Deputies
When deputies arrived, they initially detained the 19-year-old daughter as part of standard procedure. She was transported to the Lakewood Police Station for questioning before being released once investigators determined her father was responsible for the killings.
Officials confirmed that two firearms were recovered from the residence as part of the investigation.
Family Members Speak Out
Relatives described overwhelming grief and disbelief as they grappled with the aftermath of the massacre. The surviving daughter was described by authorities as deeply shaken.
“The unidentified 19-year-old was extremely distraught when she ran out of the home after the deadly shooting,” Lt. Daniel Vizcarra of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.
Her uncle, Jorge Fuentes, Alfaro’s brother-in-law, said the family is struggling to comprehend what happened, according to NBC Los Angeles, which spoke with relatives following the shooting.
“It’s hard to process. Pain. Anger. How a person is supposed to be a protector and a father to those girls would have done something so hideous,” Fuentes said.
Community Safety and Official Statements
Authorities emphasized that the violence was contained to the home and did not pose an ongoing risk to the public.
“There is no outside threat to the community,” Lt. Vizcarra said.
City officials also acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on the normally quiet community.
“Obviously this incident is a tragedy to the City of Lakewood,” Capt. Dan Holguin told reporters. “Lakewood is one of the safest cities in L.A. County.”
Support for the Surviving Family
Fuentes said family members and friends quickly rallied to support the surviving daughter and relatives in the hours after the shooting.
“All the other family members that showed up, they were hosting us, providing their home for whatever needs we had,” he said. “It’s been a lot of reaching out by friends and family to support us through this difficult time.”
Authorities have not released the names of Alfaro’s wife or daughters out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation.
Domestic Violence and Firearm Safety Context
Law enforcement officials frequently note that domestic violence incidents involving firearms are among the most dangerous calls they respond to. Advocates stress the importance of recognizing warning signs, securing firearms, and seeking immediate help if a situation escalates or someone is in crisis.
Those experiencing domestic violence or emotional distress are urged to reach out to local resources or crisis hotlines for confidential support.
Conclusion
The Lakewood murder-suicide leaves a family shattered and a community mourning the loss of three lives, while one young woman faces the lifelong trauma of surviving an unthinkable act. Investigators continue to review the circumstances leading up to the shooting as loved ones try to find a path forward.
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