LOS ANGELES, CA – Four individuals in Granada Hills were found dead over the weekend in what appears to be a triple homicide and suicide, according to the L.A. County medical examiner. The incident, described as “horrific” by law enforcement, has left authorities still searching for a motive.
On Saturday evening, the Los Angeles police responded to a call from a residence on Lerdo Avenue, where they discovered the bodies of an older man, his wife, and two adult children. The family patriarch, identified as 79-year-old Rodrigo De Leon, reportedly took his own life after killing his wife, 80-year-old Arabella De Leon, their 49-year-old daughter Merceditas De Leon, and their 53-year-old son also named Rodrigo De Leon.
The medical examiner determined the cause of the deaths, listing the elder De Leon’s death as a suicide by gunshot wound to the chest, and the others as homicides by multiple gunshot wounds. When officers arrived at the scene, they were met by another adult daughter with special needs, who had barricaded herself in a room and survived the violence by calling for help.
LAPD Capt. Kelly Muniz emphasized the horror of the situation, acknowledging the survivor’s bravery as the only positive point in the tragedy. Neighbors of the family described them as quiet and respectable, expressing shock at the violence that had occurred in their affluent community.
As the investigation continues, the community awaits information on funeral arrangements and further details about the incident. The remaining family declined to comment when approached by reporters. The motive behind the tragedy and the impact on the community are still under investigation as authorities work to unravel the events leading up to the devastating loss of four lives in Granada Hills.