In a quiet residential neighborhood in Lakewood, California, a routine morning shattered into unimaginable horror on January 15, 2026, when 52-year-old Hector Lionel Alfaro turned a family home into a scene of devastation. Authorities confirmed the incident as a murder-suicide: 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 couple’s 19-year-old daughter narrowly escaped death after her father fired multiple rounds at her but missed, allowing her to flee the house in terror.

Neighbors, still reeling from the tragedy, recounted chilling details that suggested the violence may not have been entirely unforeseen. One resident described hearing disturbing sounds from the home in the 5800 block of Lorelei Avenue and immediately dialing emergency services. “We had a bad feeling about him for a while,” the neighbor shared in the aftermath. “We called the police right away when things escalated, but he acted so fast—everything happened in minutes.” Their quick response, however, came too late to prevent the loss of two lives.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrived around 8 a.m. to find the 19-year-old daughter running outside, emotionally distraught but physically unharmed. Inside, they discovered Roxana Rodriguez in one bedroom, suffering a fatal gunshot wound to her torso. In a separate bedroom lay Sienna Alfaro, also shot in the upper body. Alfaro himself was found in the den with a self-inflicted wound. Two firearms were recovered at the scene.

Roxana Rodriguez, described by those who knew her as a devoted mother, and Sienna, a vibrant 17-year-old often remembered for her bright smile and involvement in youth activities like soccer, were pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving daughter provided a harrowing account to investigators: she had been asleep when awakened by gunfire, only to face her father armed and firing directly at her. Miraculously, none of the shots struck her, and Alfaro then ended his own life in her presence.

The community has since rallied in grief. A candlelight vigil held shortly after drew dozens of mourners, holding signs and sharing memories of the victims. Friends highlighted Sienna’s joyful spirit and Roxana’s warmth, painting a picture of a close-knit family torn apart in an instant. A fundraising effort has also emerged to support the surviving family members as they navigate this profound loss.

This heartbreaking event underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and sudden, explosive acts within households. While no prior public reports of extreme threats were detailed, neighbors’ instincts and rapid call to police reflect a growing awareness in communities about warning signs. Authorities have stated there is no ongoing threat to the public, but the ripple effects of such trauma will linger for years.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, open conversations about mental health, and swift intervention when tensions rise. For the surviving daughter and extended family, healing will be a long road amid unimaginable sorrow.