The Basmajian family’s dream of welcoming a new baby girl turned into an unimaginable nightmare on May 27, 2026, when 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 in their North Hills home. Family members have now revealed the pure excitement little Alec felt about becoming a big brother and the three final words he spoke to his newborn sister moments before the tragedy.

According to close relatives, Alec had been counting down the days since Ella’s birth. The energetic toddler constantly asked about his baby sister, prepared small drawings for her, and told everyone how he would protect her and play with her. On that fateful day, as the family gathered at home, Alec looked toward his tiny sister and said the three simple words that now carry unbearable weight: “I love you.”

Those innocent words, spoken with pure sibling love, represent the last known moment of joy in the household. Khajag Basmajian, a dedicated software engineer, and Marine had appeared to be building a beautiful life together with their two young children. The arrival of Ella was supposed to be a time of celebration, but behind the smiles, unknown struggles led to one of the most shocking family tragedies in recent Los Angeles history.

Police responded to reports of gunfire at the home on Londelius Street and discovered the devastating scene. All four family members were found deceased in what authorities have classified as a murder-suicide. The news sent shockwaves through the Armenian-American community in the San Fernando Valley, where the family was well-known and respected.

Relatives described Alec as a bright, affectionate little boy who lit up every room with his smile. He was particularly thrilled about having a baby sister and often pretended to hold her or sing her songs even before she came home from the hospital. His excitement was so genuine that family members had been recording videos of him talking about Ella to save for later memories. Instead, those moments have become painful reminders of what was lost.

Khajag was remembered as a loving father who worked hard to provide for his growing family. Colleagues spoke of his kindness and dedication. The couple had welcomed Ella just days earlier, and photos from the hospital showed what appeared to be pure parental joy. This makes the alleged actions of Marine even more difficult for loved ones to comprehend.

The extended Basmajian family has been overwhelmed with support from the community. Vigils have been held with flowers, balloons, and notes for the children. Many attendees wore pink and blue to honor both Alec and Ella. A GoFundMe page set up for the surviving relatives has received thousands of donations from people moved by the story of Alec’s love for his sister.

This tragedy has sparked urgent conversations about postpartum mental health and the importance of support systems for new mothers. While no clear motive has been publicly confirmed, experts note that severe postpartum depression and psychosis can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes if left untreated. Family members say they had no indication of such deep distress, making the event even more shocking.

Alec’s final three words to Ella have become the emotional core of the family’s grief. Relatives say those words perfectly captured his gentle personality and big heart. “He was ready to be the best big brother,” one aunt shared. “He already loved Ella so much, even though she was only days old.” The contrast between a toddler’s pure love and the violence that followed has left the entire community stunned.

The Armenian community in Los Angeles has rallied strongly around the surviving grandparents and relatives. Churches have held special prayer services, and counselors have offered support to those affected. Many are using the tragedy to call for better awareness of mental health warning signs, especially in the vulnerable weeks after giving birth.

For the grandparents, the pain is indescribable. They had been looking forward to watching Alec grow up alongside his baby sister. Now they are left to mourn two grandchildren and their son in one devastating blow. They have requested privacy but hope that sharing Alec’s excitement and last words can help raise awareness and encourage families to seek help early.

As investigators continue their work, the focus remains on understanding how a family that seemed filled with hope could end in such darkness. The incident has also prompted discussions about gun safety in homes with young children and the need for stronger mental health resources in diverse communities.

Though Alec never got the chance to truly play with or protect his little sister, his final message of love stands as a powerful symbol. In his short two years of life, he showed the kind of unconditional love that many spend a lifetime searching for. Ella, though she lived only six days, was already deeply loved by her big brother.

The Basmajian family tragedy serves as a heartbreaking reminder to cherish every moment with loved ones. Alec’s innocent words — “I love you” — will forever echo as a testament to the beautiful bond that should have grown between brother and sister. As the community mourns, they also hope this story encourages open conversations about mental health and family support.

In the midst of profound loss, Alec’s excitement to meet Ella and his final three words remain the brightest light in an otherwise dark story. May his pure love inspire greater compassion and care for struggling families everywhere.