CANOGA PARK, California — A quiet Sunday evening in a Los Angeles neighborhood turned into a scene of horror after a man allegedly shot and killed his two young sons before taking his own life — all while their mother’s birthday celebration was taking place nearby.
The shooting was reported at approximately 7:15 p.m. on Sunday at an apartment building in the 8000 block of Owensmouth Avenue, directly across from a local park.
When officers and Los Angeles firefighters arrived, they found three victims — two children and one adult male — who had all died from gunshot wounds.
No other injuries were reported.
Twin Boys Identified as Victims
Family members told reporters that the two children were 10-year-old twin boys.
They said the alleged shooter was the boys’ own father.
The tragedy unfolded while their mother’s birthday party was happening at the same location, making an already devastating loss even more unimaginable for those present.
LAPD officials have not yet publicly confirmed the relationship between the three victims as detectives continue their investigation.
Neighbors Heard Commotion Before the Shots
Witnesses in the surrounding units said they heard a disturbance coming from inside the apartment before the sound of gunfire broke through.
Several residents of neighboring units were asked by officers to leave the building while the preliminary investigation got underway.
The block, normally a residential stretch across from a neighborhood park, was quickly transformed into an active crime scene as LAPD detectives moved in.
City Crisis Team Dispatched to Scene
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office confirmed that a crisis response team was sent to the scene to provide support to the victims’ surviving family members.
The mayor’s office did not release any additional statement at the time of this report.
Investigation Ongoing
LAPD detectives are actively investigating the incident as a murder-suicide.
No suspects are being sought at this time, as authorities believe the shooter is among the deceased.
The identities of all three victims have not yet been officially released by police.
This is a developing story. If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 — call or text 988.
What are your thoughts on this tragedy? Share your reaction in the comments — the Canoga Park community is grieving tonight.
