In the quiet suburban streets of Lakewood, California, a peaceful Thursday morning on January 15, 2026, shattered into unimaginable horror when a family home on the 5800 block of Lorelei Avenue became the scene of a devastating murder-suicide. Hector Lionel Alfaro, 52, allegedly shot and killed his 48-year-old wife, Roxana Rodriguez, and their 17-year-old daughter, Sienna Alfaro, before turning the gun on himself in front of his eldest daughter. The sole survivor, 19-year-old Desiree Alvarez, emerged physically unharmed but forever scarred by the events she witnessed. Her harrowing account and emotional tribute to her lost loved ones have since captured the attention of the community and beyond.

Desiree Alvarez recounted waking up to the sound of gunshots echoing through the house. “That’s terrible! I was asleep then heard a bang shot over my direction…” she later shared in statements that highlighted the terror of that moment. She described how her father, armed with a handgun, appeared near her bedroom and fired multiple times in her direction. Miraculously, none of the bullets struck her. As she sought safety or fled, Alfaro then shot himself while standing nearby. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrived shortly after her 911 call, finding her running from the home in distress. She was taken to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station for questioning and support, where investigators pieced together the sequence of events.

Inside the residence, authorities discovered Roxana Rodriguez in one bedroom and Sienna Alfaro in another, both fatally wounded by gunshots to the upper torso. Two handguns were recovered from the scene, believed to have been used in the shootings. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department quickly classified the incident as a murder-suicide, based on forensic evidence, the daughter’s statements, and the absence of forced entry or external involvement. No motive has been officially released, and the investigation remains ongoing, with homicide detectives examining potential contributing factors such as personal struggles or mental health issues.

Desiree Alvarez, the eldest of three daughters, has since spoken publicly about her profound grief. In a heartfelt statement shared through media outlets, she remembered her mother as “the most incredible woman I know,” a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend whose warmth touched everyone who knew her. “To know her was to love her,” Desiree wrote. “I’m at a loss for words on how much she meant to me.” She described Roxana as the heart of their family, always putting others first and radiating kindness. For her younger sister Sienna—affectionately called “Lilly” by her soccer teammates—Desiree highlighted her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. Sienna was a talented athlete who played for the Beach Futbol Club, where teammates recalled her as a “ray of sunshine” on and off the field.

The tragedy left Desiree not only grieving her mother and sister but also grappling with the trauma of surviving an attempt on her life. She expressed deep gratitude to the community for the overwhelming support, including messages, donations, and a GoFundMe campaign launched to help her and any surviving family members navigate the aftermath. “My heart is broken,” she said, emphasizing the need for time to process the unimaginable loss while honoring her loved ones’ memories.

The Lakewood community responded with an outpouring of sorrow and solidarity. A candlelight vigil was held the following evening, where friends, teammates, and neighbors gathered to light candles and share stories of Roxana and Sienna. Tributes described Roxana as a nurturing figure who cherished family gatherings and supported her daughters in every endeavor. Sienna’s soccer teammates spoke of her infectious energy and how her absence would leave a void on the field and in their hearts. City officials, including Lakewood Councilmember Todd Rogers, called it a “very tragic day” for the neighborhood, urging residents to seek help if struggling and to watch for signs of distress in others.

This incident has reignited discussions about the hidden dangers of untreated mental health issues, access to firearms in homes, and the importance of intervention in domestic crises—even when no prior red flags are visible. Family members, including Roxana’s brother-in-law Jorge Fuentes, expressed shock and pain, noting the difficulty in understanding how someone meant to protect his family could commit such an act. “It’s pain, anger, hard to process,” Fuentes said, highlighting the confusion and heartbreak felt by those left behind.

Desiree’s survival has become a focal point of hope amid the devastation. Her courage in speaking out serves as a testament to resilience, even as she faces the lifelong impact of witnessing her father’s final moments. Community efforts continue to support her, with fundraisers aimed at covering immediate needs and future counseling. As Lakewood mourns, the story of this fractured family underscores the fragility of life and the enduring power of love and remembrance.

In the weeks ahead, the investigation may reveal more about the circumstances leading to that fateful morning. For now, the focus remains on healing and honoring Roxana and Sienna—two lives taken too soon—and supporting Desiree as she rebuilds in the shadow of unimaginable loss.