Police in Northern California discovered four people dead inside a Rancho Cordova home Tuesday morning after responding to reports of gunfire — and to an alleged 911 call from the suspected shooter warning that the house was filled with “booby traps.”
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office described the scene as a murder-suicide, saying the man found dead is believed to be responsible for the deaths of a woman and two children, according to local reports from SFGate, KCRA and CBS News Sacramento.
The Sacramento Bee later identified the victims as members of the same family: David Edward Vallerga Jr., 58, Lindsey Peralta Vallerga, 49, and the couple’s 13-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter.
KCRA reported that deputies first received a 911 call around 8:30 a.m. after gunfire was reported in the area. Citing law enforcement, the outlet said a second call came from Vallerga Jr., who allegedly claimed he was firing the weapon and warned responders that traps had been set up throughout the home.
Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Edward Igoe told KCRA that deputies deployed a drone “into the residence,” where it located “one male subject” who appeared unresponsive.
After officers entered the house, they found the woman and two children dead, Igoe told KCRA.
“It’s always difficult,” Igoe said, according to KCRA. “A response to something of this magnitude is always extremely difficult. And honestly, as an agency, just our prayers are with friends and families of those involved today.”
Speaking with CBS, Igoe added: “As an agency, as a human, as a father, look out for each other and take care of each other in this very difficult time.”
The Sacramento Bee reported that the couple operated two tutoring businesses out of their home. CBS News Sacramento reported there was no prior history of domestic violence at the residence, according to police.
Outside the home, KCRA reporters spoke with neighbors who said they were shocked by what happened.
“It’s quiet for the most part,” neighbor Cameron Daughtry told KCRA. “You’ll see people walking their dogs, running. For the most part, we don’t have any loud parties going on here and stuff like that. And it’s very quiet. Everybody’s friendly and peaceful. So to see this, it’s wild.”
