The North Hills community in California is in shock after a couple and their two young children were found dead last week in an apparent murder-suicide. Authorities have now released the family’s identities and new details about the case.
The woman is accused of killing her husband and two young children in what has been described as a “murder-suicide.” Speaking to People Magazine, Los Angeles Police Department Officer Rosario Cervantes said officers responded to a shooting at a home on Londelius Street in North Hills, a neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California, on May 27 at 7:50 p.m.
Inside the home, officers found the bodies of two adults and two children. The victims have now been identified as Marine Basmajian, 31, her husband, Khajag Basmajian, 31, and their two children: Alec Basmajian, 2, and Ella Basmajian, who was just six days old, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed to People.
According to the Medical Examiner’s report following the May 27 discovery, Marine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Khajag died from a gunshot wound to the head, and his death was ruled a homicide.
Police say the woman shot and killed her husband and the couple’s two young children before turning the gun on herself.
California family of 4 identified after mom killed 6-day-old baby, toddler, husband, and herself
In the aftermath, neighbors shared their impressions with local media outlets. One neighbor told KTLA they had never seen the family argue, while another told The Los Angeles Times that Marine may have experienced postpartum depression, though nothing has been confirmed.
“It’s so depressing, it’s so devastating for everyone. Postpartum depression is real,” Karen Banuelos said, referring to the fact that the woman had given birth to her second child just days before the killings.
“To get possessed to do that? It’s just, there are no words,” Banuelos added.
A GoFundMe page has since been launched and is described as an “official fundraiser created by members of the Basmajian family.”
As of early Wednesday, it had raised more than $170,000 in donations. The fundraiser states that every “donation, prayer, and share is deeply appreciated.”
“Our family is devastated by the tragic loss of Khajag Basmajian (31), his wife Marine (29), their son Alec (2), and their newborn daughter Ella, just 6 days old. In a single moment, we lost an entire young family who were deeply loved by everyone who knew them,” the GoFundMe page reads.
Described as a “caring mother”
“Khajag was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, brother, and friend. To know him was to love him. With a beaming smile and a positive outlook on life, he was truly a friend you could count on.”
“Marine was a caring mother and wife who found comfort in organization and enjoyed gatherings with her loved ones. Alec brought joy and laughter wherever he went. With his bright smile and cheerful eyes, just like his father, he loved his toy vehicles and experiencing life one bite at a time — ice cream was his favorite. Alec couldn’t wait to meet his baby sister Ella, who only got to experience life outside the womb for six days.”
The GoFundMe concluded: “As we face the unimaginable task of honoring and laying four beloved family members to rest, we are asking for support to help cover funeral, memorial, and other unexpected expenses during this difficult time.”
Rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Basmajian family.
