Candlelight Vigil Held After Family Tragedy in California

A candlelight vigil took place in memory of a father in California who took the lives of his wife and teenage daughter, before turning the gun on himself, harming his other daughter in the process.

The event, held on Saturday, was a tribute to 17-year-old Siena Alfaro and her 48-year-old mother, Roxana Rodriguez. The Beach Football Club team, Siena’s friends, noted how she was a “ray of sunshine” and brought so much joy into their lives.

“Her smile could brighten any room, and her energy was just incredible. Even though she was a bit shy, when she smiled, it felt like we all connected,” shared her teammate, Hazel Fuhrman.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Hector Lionel Alfaro shot both Rodriguez and Siena at their home in Lakewood on Thursday morning, around 8 a.m. Investigators reported that both victims sustained gunshot wounds to their upper bodies.

Mr. Alfaro, 52, had recently begun firearm training with his eldest daughter, who happened to wake up to the sound of gunfire echoing in their home.

Tragically, the father shot his oldest daughter multiple times, but she managed to escape the scene before he took his own life. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Lieutenant, Daniel Vizcarra, noted that she was “extremely distraught” but thankfully unharmed.

At the scene, law enforcement recovered two firearms.

A GoFundMe page has been initiated to help support the two surviving daughters. It has already collected over $76,000.

The fundraiser stresses the heartache: “We are devastated as we mourn the loss of a cherished mother and daughter, who were victims of an incomprehensible act of violence. The surviving children are now faced with the reality of life without their loved ones.” The funds will be allocated for funeral expenses, counseling, and other pressing needs for the girls.