Sacramento family found dead in 'booby-trapped' home

Neighbors shocked by tragic murder-suicide of longtime residents

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A family of four, including two children, were found dead with gunshot wounds inside their home in Rancho Cordova, California. Neighbors identified the victims as David Vallerga, his wife Lindsey G. Peralta Vallerga, and their children 11-year-old Sydney and 13-year-old Colton. Police believe David Vallerga shot his family before turning the gun on himself.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has left the quiet Rancho Cordova neighborhood in shock, as the Vallerga family was described as warm and welcoming by their neighbors. The use of 'booby traps' also raises concerns about the perpetrator's mental state and the potential for increased violence in the community.

The details

According to the Sacramento Bee, police were called to the home on Tuesday after a caller claimed to be 'the shooter' and said they were 'setting up booby traps and turning off the cellphone.' Investigators believe David Vallerga shot his wife and two children before taking his own life.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

David Vallerga

The father of the family who is believed to have shot his wife and two children before taking his own life.

Lindsey G. Peralta Vallerga

The wife of David Vallerga who was found dead alongside her husband and two children.

Sydney Peralta Vallerga

The 11-year-old daughter of David and Lindsey Vallerga who was found dead in the home.

Colton Drake Peralta Vallerga

The 13-year-old son of David and Lindsey Vallerga who was found dead in the home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the incident and the use of 'booby traps' in the home. The community is coming together to support each other in the wake of this tragic loss.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and access to resources, as well as the need for stronger gun control measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.