Alameda man charged with murdering family before planned escape

Shane Killian allegedly killed his wife, mother-in-law, and two young sons minutes after his wife called her uncle to plan an escape.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In a horrific incident in Alameda, California, Shane Killian is accused of fatally shooting his wife Brenda Natali Morales, their two young sons, his mother-in-law Marta Elena Morales Diaz, and his father-in-law Michel Angel Carcamo Ramirez just minutes after Morales had called her uncle to plan an escape from Killian's alleged abuse and paranoia.

Why it matters

The case has drawn attention to the challenges of domestic violence situations and the need for better resources and support systems to help victims safely leave abusive relationships. It also raises questions about the role of mental health, substance abuse, and access to firearms in tragic family killings.

The details

According to court testimony, Killian's neighbor heard loud bangs on the night of July 10, 2024, which were later revealed to be the sounds of Killian allegedly shooting and killing his family one by one. Just minutes before the massacre, Morales had called her uncle to plan an escape, saying Killian was drunk and abusive. When the uncle got on the phone, Killian allegedly expressed distrust and paranoia towards Morales. Moments later, the shooting began, with Carcamo Ramirez later showing up at a neighbor's door, bleeding and saying "My son-in-law Shane shot me and the whole family. I'm dying." Prosecutors allege that after the killings, Killian called 911 and falsely claimed Morales had shot the family.

  • On July 10, 2024, Killian's neighbor heard loud bangs, which were later revealed to be the sounds of the shootings.
  • Just minutes before the massacre, Morales called her uncle to plan an escape from Killian.

The players

Shane Killian

A 56-year-old Alameda resident accused of fatally shooting his wife, mother-in-law, and two young sons.

Brenda Natali Morales

Killian's 36-year-old wife, who was planning to escape with her children before being killed.

Marta Elena Morales Diaz

Killian's 70-year-old mother-in-law, who was also killed in the shooting.

Michel Angel Carcamo Ramirez

Killian's 70-year-old father-in-law, who was shot and died from his wounds.

Brenda's uncle

The relative Brenda called minutes before the killings to plan an escape from Killian.

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What they’re saying

“My son-in-law Shane shot me and the whole family. I'm dying.”

— Michel Angel Carcamo Ramirez (Neighbor's testimony)

“He was drunk, and he said that he distrusted Brenda a lot. I told him that he was drunk, and that he could talk with me the following day when he was fine ... He said, 'Yes, we're going to talk, and everything will be fine.'”

— Brenda's uncle (Court testimony)

What’s next

Killian's trial date has not yet been set, but he remains in jail without bail, facing five counts of murder.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for better resources and support systems to help victims of domestic violence safely escape abusive relationships before violence escalates. It also underscores the role of mental health, substance abuse, and access to firearms in family killings.