A tragic incident in Lakewood, California, resulted in the deaths of a family, prompting a candlelight vigil and a community-led fundraising effort. On the morning of March 14, 2024, Hector Lionel Alfaro, 52, fatally shot his wife, 48-year-old wife, and their daughter, 17-year-old Sienna Alfaro, before taking his own life. The shocking events unfolded at their residence on Lorelei Avenue.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon shortly after 07:55. A distress call from a family member indicated that Hector Alfaro had shot her and was unconscious on the floor. Upon arrival, deputies encountered an “extremely distraught” 19-year-old woman, identified as Alfaro’s eldest daughter, who was later detained for questioning.
Inside the home, authorities discovered three deceased individuals. Hector Alfaro was located in the den with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. His wife was found in a bedroom, also suffering from a gunshot wound, while Sienna was discovered in another bedroom. The 19-year-old daughter reported hearing gunshots while asleep and witnessed her father armed with a handgun before he shot himself.
Authorities recovered two firearms from the scene, indicating the tragic nature of the incident. As the community grapples with this loss, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the surviving siblings. As of March 16, the fundraiser has raised over $70,000 to assist with immediate needs, including funeral services, counseling, and living expenses.
At the vigil, Sienna’s friends and teammates remembered her as a vibrant and joyful presence. Teammate Hazel Ferman described her as “a ray of sunshine” who could light up any room. The heartfelt memorial highlighted the profound impact Sienna had on her peers and the community.
In a statement on the GoFundMe page, organizers expressed their intention to provide stability for the surviving siblings during this painful time. “Any donation, no matter the size, and even sharing this page, is a way to show love, support, and remind them they are not alone,” the statement read.
Community members are encouraged to reach out for support if they are struggling with mental health issues. Individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or substance use crises can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988, which is available 24 hours a day.
The events in Lakewood serve as a tragic reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and community support. As the community mourns, efforts to provide assistance and healing for those affected continue.
