Hector Lionel Alfaro Identified in Lakewood Murder-Suicide That Killed Wife and 17-Year-Old Daughter; 19-Year-Old Survives

Authorities have identified Hector Lionel Alfaro, 52, as the suspect in a fatal family shooting that left three people dead and one surviving daughter traumatized Thursday morning in Lakewood, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).

Investigators say Alfaro fatally shot his 48-year-old wife and their 17-year-old daughter before taking his own life inside the family’s home on the 5800 block of Lorelei Avenue shortly after 8 a.m.

A 19-year-old daughter, who was also inside the home at the time, was shot at but was not physically injured. She is the sole surviving member of the immediate family.

Deputies responded to the residence after receiving a 911 call reporting gunfire. According to LASD Lt. Daniel Vizcarra, responding officers found two females and one male suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials said the surviving daughter ran out of the house in extreme distress as deputies arrived. She had not yet been interviewed at the time of the initial briefing, as investigators worked to stabilize the scene and begin the inquiry.

Authorities recovered a handgun from inside the home. Police said there is no ongoing threat to the community, and the incident appears to be isolated.

“There is no outside threat,” Lt. Vizcarra said during a press conference. “There is no danger to the public at this point.”

Investigators stated it was too early to determine whether there was a history of domestic violence at the residence. The bodies of Alfaro’s wife and youngest daughter were found in separate bedrooms, according to law enforcement.

Lakewood Capt. Dan Holguin called the incident a tragedy for the community, noting that Lakewood is among the safest cities in Los Angeles County.

“This appears to be an isolated incident, and there are no safety issues to the public right now,” Holguin said.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or via the P3 Tips mobile app.

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a mental health crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which operates 24/7.