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 case details.
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 police officers responded to the 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 pm.
Inside, officers found the bodies of two adults and two minors. Now, the bodies have been identified as Marine Basmaijan, 31, her husband, Khajag Bamaijan, and two children: Alec Basmaijan, 2, and Ella Basmaijan, who was only six days old, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed to People.
According to the Medical Examiner’s report after the May 27 discovery, Marine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Khajag died from a gunshot wound to the head, with his death being ruled a homicide.
Police say the woman shot and killed her husband and the couple’s two young children before pulling the trigger on herself.
California family of 4 identiifed 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 never saw the family fighting, while another told The Los Angeles Times that Marine might 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, referring to the fact that the woman had given birth to her second chiöld just days before the killing, said.“To get possessed to do that? It’s just, there’s no words,” added Banuelos.
Now, a GoFundMe page has been launched, described as an “official fundraiser created by members of the Basmajian family.”
As of early Wednesday, it has gathered 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 read.
Described as a “caring mother”
“Khajag was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, brother, and friend. To know him is to love him. With a beaming smile on his face 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 among her loved ones. Alec brought joy and laughter wherever he went. With his bright smile and cheerful eyes taking after his father, he loved his toy vehicles and getting a taste for life one bite at a time (ice cream was his favorite). Alec couldn’t wait to meet his baby sister Ella who only lived to see the world Earth side for 6 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 and memorial and other unexpected expenses during this difficult time.”
Rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Basmajian family.
READ MORE
- Mackenzie Shirilla’s dad breaks silence and makes claim he says ‘will get him in trouble’
- Director reveals why lights are never switched off in ‘world’s most dangerous prison’
