🚨 HEARTBREAKING UPDATE: A peaceful suburban family of four in Rancho Cordova, California, has been tragically lost in what authorities are calling a devastating domestic incident. The father, 58-year-old David Vallerga, his wife Lindsey, and their two young children—ages 13 and 11—were found deceased in their home yesterday. Neighbors remember the kids as happy, creative, always playing outside with smiles… now the community is in shock and mourning. No words can ease this pain, but let’s hold their memory close and support one another. 💔

Authorities have identified the four family members found deceased in a Rancho Cordova home following what the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has ruled a murder-suicide. The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in the 5400 block of Mill Water Circle, leaving a quiet suburban neighborhood reeling from the sudden and profound loss.

David Edward Vallerga Jr., 58, has been identified by the sheriff’s office as the individual responsible for the deaths. He is believed to have taken the lives of his 49-year-old wife, Lindsey Peralta Vallerga, their 13-year-old son, and their 11-year-old daughter before ending his own life. Public records confirm the couple as homeowners of the property in the Kavala Ranch community, south of Anatolia.

The sequence of events began around 8:30 a.m. when a neighbor reported hearing what sounded like gunshots and screaming. Deputies from the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and Rancho Cordova Police Department responded promptly. Shortly after, a 911 call was received from a man at the residence who identified himself as the individual involved and mentioned concerns about potential hazards inside the home. Law enforcement took precautionary measures, deploying drones, robots, and an explosive ordnance disposal team to ensure safety before entering. No such hazards were ultimately located.

Inside the residence, first responders discovered all four family members deceased. The Sacramento County Coroner’s Office confirmed the deaths were due to gunshot wounds, and based on evidence collected at the scene—including ballistics and other investigative findings—detectives determined the case to be a murder-suicide carried out by the adult male. Two pistols were believed to have been used, with additional firearms discovered during a subsequent search of the home.

Neighbors who spoke to local media outlets, including KCRA and FOX40, described the children as joyful and outgoing. One resident recalled watching the kids play together in the cul-de-sac, engaging in creative activities like drawing with chalk and sharing interests such as Pokémon. “They were happy, creative,” a neighbor told reporters, noting how the children frequently interacted with others in the neighborhood. The family had lived in the area for several years, and to those around them, their daily life appeared ordinary and unremarkable.

David Vallerga had prior military experience, according to reports from FOX40, which may contextualize the presence of multiple firearms in the home—16 in total were documented. However, investigators have not released information indicating prior incidents, mental health concerns, or domestic issues that were publicly known. The sheriff’s office continues its investigation, including witness interviews and evidence analysis, but no other individuals are believed to be involved.

The community response has been one of deep sorrow and solidarity. A vigil was planned for Sunday evening outside the home, with invitations extended to residents to come together in remembrance. Flowers, notes, and other tributes have appeared at the scene, serving as a focal point for collective grieving. Social media posts from friends, acquaintances, and locals express disbelief and heartbreak, emphasizing the innocence of the children and the warmth the family once brought to the neighborhood.

This tragedy highlights the hidden challenges that can exist within families, even in seemingly stable suburban settings. Mental health advocates and local officials have pointed to available resources, including national hotlines and community support services, urging anyone experiencing distress to reach out. While the specifics of what led to this outcome remain under review, the focus for many is on honoring the lives lost and supporting those left behind.

Rancho Cordova, a Sacramento suburb known for its family-friendly environment and proximity to regional employment opportunities, now faces the difficult task of healing. Schools and local organizations have offered counseling and grief support, recognizing the ripple effects on children and families throughout the area.

As details continue to emerge, the story serves as a somber reminder of the importance of awareness, compassion, and access to help in preventing such profound losses. The Vallerga family—David, Lindsey, and their two children—will be remembered by those who knew them for the everyday moments of joy they shared, now forever altered by this unimaginable event.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has encouraged the public to seek assistance if needed, emphasizing that support is available. In the wake of this loss, the community stands united in mourning, hoping to find some measure of comfort in collective remembrance and care for one another.