A devastating murder-suicide shattered a quiet Lakewood neighborhood in Los Angeles County on the morning of January 15, 2026, when 52-year-old Hector Lionel Alfaro fatally shot his 48-year-old wife, Roxana Rodriguez, and their 17-year-old daughter, Sienna Alfaro, before turning the gun on himself. The tragedy unfolded inside their home on the 5800 block of Lorelei Avenue, near South Street, leaving the couple’s 19-year-old eldest daughter as the sole survivor after her father fired multiple shots at her but missed.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded around 8 a.m. to a frantic 911 call from the 19-year-old daughter, who reported that her father had fired a gun and was now down inside the house. When officers arrived, they encountered the young woman running outside, extremely distraught and unharmed. She recounted being awakened by the sound of gunshots and then seeing her father, armed with a handgun, appear before her. He opened fire several times, but the bullets missed her entirely. Moments later, he shot himself while standing near her.

Inside the home, deputies discovered the grim scene. Roxana Rodriguez was found in one bedroom with a gunshot wound to her torso. In a second bedroom, 17-year-old Sienna Alfaro lay with a similar wound to her upper torso. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Hector Alfaro was located in the den, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot to his upper torso, and was also declared deceased. Authorities recovered two firearms from the residence.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department quickly classified the incident as a murder-suicide, with Hector Alfaro identified as the shooter who killed his wife and youngest daughter before committing suicide. No immediate signs of forced entry or external involvement were reported, and the investigation remains ongoing to determine any potential motives or contributing factors. Lt. Daniel Vizcarra of the LASD Homicide Bureau noted at a press conference that it was too early to confirm a history of domestic violence, though the nature of the crime has prompted renewed calls for awareness and support services.

Roxana Rodriguez, 48, was remembered by loved ones as a devoted mother and family anchor. Sienna Alfaro, affectionately nicknamed “Lilly” by her soccer teammates, was a vibrant 17-year-old who played for the Beach Futbol Club. At a candlelight vigil held the following evening in Lakewood, teammates and friends honored her as a “ray of sunshine” whose infectious positivity lit up every room and field she entered. Hazel Ferman, a teammate, shared emotional words: “If there’s one thing I could say about Lilly is that she is a ray of sunshine.” The vigil drew community members, family, and supporters who lit candles and shared stories of the victims’ warmth and kindness.

A GoFundMe campaign was quickly launched to support the surviving family members, particularly the 19-year-old daughter and any other relatives navigating the profound loss. Donations poured in as the community rallied around the grieving loved ones. Relatives, including Hector Alfaro’s brother-in-law Jorge Fuentes, expressed shock and difficulty processing the events, describing the outpouring of support as a small comfort amid unimaginable pain. “It’s hard to process,” Fuentes told media, thanking the community for their compassion.

The surviving daughter has been described as traumatized but physically unharmed. She was taken to the Lakewood station for questioning and support following the incident. Authorities emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, and the case appears confined to this domestic tragedy.

This heartbreaking event highlights the devastating potential of domestic violence and the hidden struggles within families. While no prior public reports of abuse in this household have surfaced, experts note that murder-suicides often stem from escalating tensions, mental health crises, or perceived loss of control. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) and similar resources remain critical lifelines for those in danger.

In the days following the shooting, neighbors and friends gathered at makeshift memorials outside the home, leaving flowers, candles, and notes of condolence. The Lakewood community, known for its family-oriented atmosphere, has been left reeling, with many questioning how such violence could erupt in a seemingly ordinary home. Sienna’s soccer team and schoolmates have shared photos and memories online, celebrating her love of the game and her bright spirit.

The loss of Roxana and Sienna has left an irreplaceable void. Roxana was a nurturing presence, raising her daughters with care and dedication. Sienna, on the cusp of adulthood, had dreams and plans that will now remain unfulfilled. The surviving sister faces a lifetime of grief compounded by the trauma of witnessing the unthinkable.

As investigations continue, authorities urge anyone with information to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau. The focus remains on providing support to the surviving family and preventing future tragedies through increased awareness and intervention. This case serves as a somber reminder of the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking help before crises reach irreversible points.

In the wake of this unimaginable horror, the community holds space for healing, remembrance, and the hope that no other family endures such pain. Roxana Rodriguez and Sienna Alfaro are remembered not for the manner of their deaths, but for the light they brought to those around them—a light that endures in the hearts of all who knew and loved them.