Two adults, a toddler and a newborn baby were found dead in a home in Los Angeles’ North Hills neighborhood, with police suspecting that they died in a potential murder-suicide.
Officers reported to the home around 7:50 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27. Upon their arrival, authorities learned that the victims had all reportedly sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
Police confirmed that an adult man and woman both in their 30s, a 2-year-old boy and a 6-day-old girl were all found dead at the residence, according to Fox LA. The adult male victim has since been identified as Khajag Basmajian, who was 31 at the time of his death.
Investigators currently believe that the deaths took place during a murder-suicide. Authorities suspect that the woman – whose name has not been publicly released – shot the man and children before she died by suicide, The Los Angeles Times reported while citing law enforcement sources.
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“This is an absolute tragedy and given the number of deceased, the Robbery-Homicide Special is handling the investigation,” LAPD Captain Mike Bland said in a statement to the outlet.
The killings have left neighbors in shock, with many people wondering what might have happened to lead to the tragedy.
“It’s hard, like I don’t know how someone could be driven to do something like that, that is such innocence,” neighbor Luis Enriquez told CBS LA. “I don’t know who did it, I don’t know the whole information, but to me, even if it’s a stranger, how can you do that to a child. Two children in this case.”
Meanwhile, several neighbors have left flowers at the residence to honor the victims, according to KTLA.
Neighbor Paula Smith told the outlet that she did not know the family, but that she was heartbroken for the children.
“We live a few blocks away and we heard all the helicopters last night. We didn’t know what was going on,” she tearfully told KTLA. “But to wake up this morning and to hear about this and these kids, it’s really heartbreaking. So go home and love the people you love. If someone is hurting, please reach out. Don’t be ashamed.”
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LAPD officers are not searching for a suspect in the killings, though they are continuing to investigate the incident.
The LAPD did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment regarding the case.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
