A quiet Sacramento neighborhood is reeling from a devastating tragedy after a family of four was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide. The chilling details have left the community heartbroken and searching for answers.
Sacramento Family of Four Killed in Suspected Murder-Suicide
On January 27, authorities discovered the bodies of David Vallerga, 58, his wife Lindsey Vallerga, 49, and their two children, Sydney, 13, and Colton, 11, inside their home after a disturbing 911 call. Investigators believe David fatally shot his family before taking his own life.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident and said the case is being investigated as a murder-suicide.
911 Call Confession and SWAT Response
The tragic series of events began after a neighbor called 911 to report possible gunshots and screaming. Just minutes later, dispatchers received another call — this time from David Vallerga himself.
According to reports, he calmly told them:
“I’m the shooter. I’m setting up booby traps and turning off the cellphone.”
This alarming statement prompted an urgent response. Given Vallerga’s prior military background and known possession of firearms, the sheriff’s office evacuated nearby homes and dispatched a SWAT team in an armored vehicle.
After repeated efforts to contact anyone inside the home failed, the SWAT team used the armored vehicle to break through the sliding glass door and deployed a drone to search the house.
Four Dead, Multiple Firearms Recovered
Inside, officers found David Vallerga unresponsive, holding a pistol. Another pistol was discovered beneath his body. Nearby, the lifeless bodies of Lindsey, Sydney, and Colton were also located, each having suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
An explosives team was brought in to check for any booby traps or explosives — none were found. However, investigators recovered 14 additional firearms from the residence.
Family Background and Community Shock
Property records and reports confirmed the victims’ identities. The Vallerga family was known for homeschooling and running a tutoring business. Neighbors described the children as creative and playful, often seen caring for chickens and making crafts like jewelry and paintings.
Despite the tragic outcome, no official history of domestic violence had been reported in the household, according to the sheriff’s office. However, some neighbors described hearing David yelling at his family in the past, and one even recalled a threat he allegedly made toward his wife.
No Clear Motive Yet
Investigators are still working to determine what led to this horrific act. There’s no confirmed motive yet, and the sheriff’s department has not released any further details regarding the mental health of the suspect or any recent family struggles.
