Mom Kills Two Young Children and Husband in Horrifying Family Tragedy

A California mother has been identified after authorities say she fatally shot her husband, their two young children and then herself inside the family’s Los Angeles home.

Marine Basmajian, 29, killed her husband, Khajag Basmajian, 31, their 2-year-old son, Alec, and their 6-day-old daughter, Ella, before turning the gun on herself, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

The tragedy unfolded around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at the family’s home in North Hills.

Police responded to the property after reports of gunshots. Authorities have not said what may have led to the horrific murder-suicide.

Neighbors said the quiet community was left devastated by the deaths.

“It’s so depressing, it’s so devastating for everyone,” neighbor Karen Banuelos told the Los Angeles Times. “To get possessed to do that? It’s just, there’s no words.”

A GoFundMe created after the tragedy remembered Marine as a caring mother and wife who enjoyed being organized and spending time with loved ones.

Her husband, Khajag, worked as a Staff Cloud Platform Engineer at BlackLine, a financial operations software company. The fundraiser described him as a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, brother and friend.

“To know him is to love him,” the tribute said. “With a beaming smile on his face and a positive outlook on life, he was truly a friend you could count on.”

The fundraiser also remembered little Alec as a joyful child who loved toy vehicles, ice cream and making people smile.

“Alec brought joy and laughter wherever he went,” the page said.

The 2-year-old had been excited to meet his newborn baby sister, Ella, who lived only six days.

“Alec couldn’t wait to meet his baby sister Ella who only lived to see the world Earth side for 6 days,” the fundraiser said.

Banuelos said she heard a commotion but did not hear gunshots at the time. From her window, she saw police arrive at the home and later saw a relative rushing out in distress.

She said she learned what had happened after the children’s grandfather told another neighbor.

Another neighbor, who asked not to be named, said they had never seen the family arguing. The neighbor said they saw Khajag taking out the trash around 7 p.m., roughly an hour before the gunfire, while walking their dog.

Local resident Paula Smith said she had no idea what was happening when helicopters filled the area that night.

“We live a few blocks away and we heard all the helicopters last night. We didn’t know what was going on,” Smith said tearfully.

“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.”

The motive behind the murder-suicide remains unknown.