A quiet North Hills neighborhood was shaken to its core Wednesday night after four members of a family were found dead inside their home in what Los Angeles police have confirmed was a murder-suicide. Among the victims were a 6-day-old baby girl and a 2-year-old boy.
Officers from the LAPD’s Devonshire Division responded to a home in the 16200 block of Londelius Avenue around 7:50 p.m. after receiving a call about a shooting.
When they arrived, they found two adults and two young children dead from gunshot wounds. Detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Division were called in, given the scale of the tragedy.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office identified three of the four victims as Khajag Basmajian, 31, his 2-year-old son, Alec Basmajian, and his newborn daughter, Ella Basmajian, who was only six days old at the time of her death.
The identity of the adult woman, believed to be the mother, has not been released pending notification of her family. She was described as being in her 30s.
LAPD Captain Mike Bland confirmed there are no suspects at large.
“This is an absolute tragedy, and given the number of deceased, the Robbery-Homicide Division is handling the investigation,” Bland said.
Law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times that evidence gathered at the scene pointed to the mother as the shooter, who investigators believe killed her husband and two children before dying by suicide.
Khajag Basmajian was employed as a software engineer at the financial technology company BlackLine. The company released a brief statement following news of his death.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this devastating situation,” the statement read, adding that out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, they would not comment further.
Neighbors Speak Out as Community Processes Grief
Residents gathered outside the home as the investigation unfolded, struggling to make sense of what happened.
Neighbor Karen Banuelos, who said she heard a commotion but never heard the shots, watched from her window as police arrived and family members rushed out crying. She said the grandfather of the children spoke with a neighbor shortly after and shed some light on the situation.
“It’s so depressing, it’s so devastating for everyone. Postpartum is real,” Banuelos said, noting the mother had recently given birth.
Another neighbor, Florence Barreras, who lives next door, said she had not noticed anything unusual the night of the shooting. The last time she saw the mother, the woman was still pregnant.
A memorial of balloons, flowers, and toys was placed outside the home the following day, where just 24 hours earlier, grieving family members had sat on the floor in disbelief.
Investigators have not confirmed a motive, and the manner of death for the children has not yet been officially listed by the medical examiner. The case remains open as detectives continue their work.
If you or someone you know is struggling, free and confidential support is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
