The quiet suburban home on Londelius Street in North Hills, Los Angeles, appeared peaceful from the outside. But on the night of May 27, 2026, it became the scene of an unimaginable tragedy. 31-year-old Marine Basmajian allegedly shot and killed her husband Khajag, their two-year-old son Alec, and their six-day-old daughter Ella before taking her own life. New revelations from next-door neighbors and a chilling 13-second voice recording found on Marine’s phone have added disturbing layers to an already heartbreaking case.

Neighbors who lived right beside the Basmajian family told investigators they had never seen or heard any arguments between the couple during the years they lived there. The family was described as polite, friendly, and low-key. However, on the night of the massacre, one neighbor reported hearing unusual “loud noises” and a very loud voice belonging to the wife coming from inside the house. The sounds stood out enough that the neighbor clearly remembered them later, though they did not suspect anything violent at the time.

Compounding the horror, authorities discovered a 13-second voice audio file on Marine’s phone. Sources close to the investigation describe the recording as capturing an emotional, agitated voice — believed to be Marine’s — speaking rapidly in a highly distressed tone. While the exact words have not been publicly released, the existence of this audio suggests she was experiencing intense emotional turmoil in the final hours before the shootings.

Just before the tragedy, two-year-old Alec had been overflowing with excitement about his newborn sister Ella. Family members revealed the toddler kept asking about her, drew pictures for her, and proudly declared he would be her protector. In what became his final moments, Alec looked toward his tiny sister and said three simple, pure words: “I love you.” Those innocent words now carry an unbearable weight, representing the last moment of love and hope in the home.

Khajag Basmajian, a 31-year-old software engineer, was remembered by colleagues and friends as a devoted husband and father who worked hard to build a good life for his family. The couple had welcomed baby Ella only six days earlier, and everything outwardly pointed to a joyful new chapter. This makes Marine’s alleged actions even more difficult for loved ones to comprehend.

The Armenian-American community in the San Fernando Valley has been deeply shaken. Vigils have been held with flowers, stuffed animals, candles, and messages for the children. Many attendees wore bright colors to honor the joyful spirits of Alec and Ella. A GoFundMe established for surviving relatives has received widespread support, with donors moved by Alec’s excitement to become a big brother and his final loving words.

This case has intensified urgent conversations about postpartum mental health. Experts note that severe postpartum depression or postpartum psychosis can escalate rapidly, sometimes leading to tragic outcomes when warning signs are hidden or missed. The neighbor’s account of loud screams and the emotional 13-second audio suggest Marine may have been struggling far more than anyone realized.

The extended Basmajian family is devastated. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles remember Alec as an energetic, affectionate toddler who lit up rooms with his smile and was already acting like a proud big brother. Ella, though she lived only six days, was deeply loved from the moment she arrived. The contrast between a toddler’s pure love and the violence that followed has left the entire community stunned and heartbroken.

Police continue to piece together the timeline. The neighbor statements and the audio recording are key pieces helping investigators understand the sequence of events leading to the murder-suicide. While the official classification is clear, the full motive and mental state of Marine remain under review.

This tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how important it is to check on new mothers and recognize signs of distress. Loud emotional outbursts, sudden changes in behavior, or hidden struggles after childbirth should never be ignored. The Basmajian family’s story highlights how quickly hidden pain can escalate behind closed doors.

Though Alec never got the chance to truly hold and play with his little sister, his final words “I love you” stand as a beautiful symbol of unconditional sibling love. In his short two years, he showed a purity of heart that many spend a lifetime searching for. Baby Ella, gone too soon, was already cherished by her big brother.

As the community mourns, many hope this case will lead to greater awareness and stronger support systems for families dealing with postpartum challenges. The loud noises heard by neighbors and the emotional audio on Marine’s phone may provide critical insights that help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The Basmajian family’s story is one of love cut short, innocent excitement destroyed, and unanswered questions. Alec’s final three words to his newborn sister will forever echo as a testament to the beautiful bond that should have grown between them. As surviving relatives grieve, they also hope sharing these details can spark meaningful conversations about mental health support for new parents.

In the midst of profound loss, the image of a happy toddler whispering “I love you” to his baby sister remains the brightest, most heartbreaking light in this dark story. May Alec and Ella’s memories bring some comfort, and may this tragedy drive real change in how society supports struggling families.