CAMERON PARK, Calif. – A fire captain with California’s wildfire agency has been arrested and charged with homicide after allegedly killing his girlfriend and her son in their Cameron Park home, authorities confirmed.
Victims Discovered at the Scene
Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting call around 9:00 p.m. on Thursday at a residence in the 3000 block of Oakwood Road, approximately 30 miles east of Sacramento. Upon arrival, officers discovered 29-year-old Marissa N. Divodi-Lessa and her son Josiah Divodi-Lessa with gunshot wounds.
Marissa was pronounced dead at the scene, while Josiah was rushed to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries, officials said as per the Law&Crime.
Suspect Identified as Fire Captain
Authorities identified Darin McFarlin, 47, as a person of interest and later arrested him on homicide charges. McFarlin is employed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) and is currently serving as a fire captain with the Amador El Dorado unit.
McFarlin was taken into custody within hours of the shooting and is being held at the El Dorado County Jail without bond. As of now, a formal criminal complaint detailing the motive or circumstances of the killings has not been released.
No Known Motive Yet
Law enforcement officials have not revealed any motive for the double homicide. Investigators have not confirmed whether any prior incidents of domestic violence or disputes had occurred at the residence.
Community Reeling Amid Wildfire Response
The tragic case comes as more than 1,000 CalFire personnel are actively battling a nearby wildfire, which was 37% contained as of Sunday morning. CalFire stated it is monitoring the situation involving McFarlin but has not commented further.
Violence Within the Home: A Grim Reminder
This incident adds to a growing number of domestic violence cases that end in tragedy. When firearms are present in homes with strained relationships or mental health concerns, the risk of fatal outcomes rises significantly. Law enforcement officials urge families to be proactive in seeking help if they observe signs of escalating conflict or emotional instability.
Community Safety and Support Efforts
Local agencies continue to focus on supporting families impacted by violence. Mental health services, domestic abuse hotlines, and intervention programs are available to help those in crisis before situations escalate to tragedy.
If you have thoughts to share about this case or similar community concerns, please leave a comment below. Conversations like these help promote awareness and prevention.
