Authorities say a mother fatally shot her husband and two children before taking her own life.
NORTH HILLS, Calif. — A family of four found dead inside a North Hills home last week died in what authorities have ruled a murder-suicide involving a mother, her husband, their 2-year-old son and a newborn daughter who was just six days old.
The deaths have shaken relatives, neighbors and community members in the Los Angeles area. Investigators identified the victims as Marine Basmajian, 30; her husband, Khajag Basmajian, 31; their son, Alec, 2; and daughter Ella, who had been born less than a week before the killings. Officials have completed initial examinations and ruled the deaths of the father and children homicides, while Marine Basmajian’s death was ruled a suicide.
Los Angeles police officers responded to a residence on Londelius Street in North Hills at about 7:50 p.m. on May 27 after receiving a report of a shooting. When officers entered the home, they found two adults and two children dead. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later identified all four victims and determined that each died from gunshot wounds to the head. Investigators concluded that Marine Basmajian fatally shot her husband and children before shooting herself. Police have described the case as a murder-suicide. The deaths ended the lives of a young family that had recently welcomed a new baby. Authorities have not publicly disclosed additional details about the events immediately preceding the shootings.
According to the medical examiner’s findings, Marine Basmajian died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Khajag Basmajian’s death was classified as a homicide, as were the deaths of Alec and infant Ella. Investigators have not announced a motive, and officials have released few details about evidence recovered inside the home. Law enforcement agencies continued to process information gathered at the scene following the discovery. The case drew a significant emergency response that included police officers, firefighters and crisis-support personnel. Authorities have not reported signs of forced entry or indicated that any suspects other than the deceased mother were involved. As a result, investigators have characterized the incident as an apparent murder-suicide and have not announced any ongoing threat to the public.
The deaths have prompted an outpouring of grief from relatives and friends who remembered the family as loving and close-knit. A fundraising campaign established to help cover funeral expenses described Khajag Basmajian as a devoted husband and father whose positive personality left a lasting impression on those around him. The campaign said he worked as a software engineer and was known for his kindness and willingness to help others. Family members and supporters also shared memories of Alec, describing him as an energetic toddler who enjoyed toy vehicles and loved ice cream. Ella, born only days before the tragedy, had just begun her life when it was cut short. The loss of two very young children has intensified the emotional impact of the case throughout the community.
With all four family members deceased, no criminal prosecution will result from the investigation. Instead, authorities are expected to complete the remaining administrative steps of the case, including final reports and evidence reviews. Officials have not announced plans for additional public briefings, though records related to the investigation may become available through standard procedures. Mental health specialists and members of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ Crisis Response Team were among those who responded following the discovery. The volunteer team assists individuals and communities affected by traumatic events and helps connect people with emotional support services. Investigators have not indicated when the final case file will be formally closed.
Neighbors and community members continued to process the tragedy in the days after the deaths became public. Messages shared by family friends focused on the shock of losing an entire household in a single incident. Supporters described Khajag Basmajian as someone whose smile made others feel welcome and whose dedication to his family was evident in everyday life. Those recollections stood in sharp contrast to the circumstances investigators outlined after examining the scene. The deaths also drew attention to the challenges families can face during periods of major life change, including the arrival of a newborn child. Even as investigators completed their work, those who knew the family said they were struggling to understand what happened inside the home during the final hours before the shootings.
The investigation remains classified as a murder-suicide. Authorities have identified all victims and determined causes and manners of death, while questions about motive remain unanswered. Funeral arrangements and memorial efforts are continuing as relatives and friends mourn the loss of the Basmajian family.
Author note: Last updated June 2, 2026.