Sacramento Murder-Suicide Leaves 4 Dead

Former military man kills 3 family members before turning gun on himself

Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:23am

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A tragic murder-suicide incident in Rancho Cordova, Sacramento has left four people dead, including the suspected shooter, 58-year-old David Vallerga, and three family members - a 49-year-old woman and two minors, a 13-year-old male and an 11-year-old female. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office responded to a call from Vallerga, who identified himself as the shooter and warned of potential booby traps in the home. After a tense standoff, authorities discovered the victims with gunshot wounds and Vallerga unresponsive with a pistol in hand.

Why it matters

This incident has shaken the Sacramento community and raised concerns about mental health, access to firearms, and the impact of military service on some individuals. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement face in responding to volatile domestic situations involving suspected explosives.

The details

According to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, the incident unfolded on Tuesday when neighbors reported hearing gunshots and screams from the home on Mill Water Circle in Rancho Cordova. Vallerga, a 58-year-old with a military background, called 911 and identified himself as the shooter, warning of potential booby traps in the house. The Sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail (SED/SWAT) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team responded, deploying armored vehicles and a drone to locate Vallerga, who was found unresponsive with a pistol in hand. The three other victims, a 49-year-old woman and two minors, a 13-year-old male and an 11-year-old female, were also found deceased with gunshot wounds. While the home was thoroughly searched, no booby traps were discovered.

  • On Tuesday, officers from the Rancho Cordova Police Department were called to the scene in the 5400 block of Mill Water Circle.
  • Vallerga called 911 and identified himself as the shooter, warning of potential booby traps in the house.

The players

David Vallerga

A 58-year-old man with a military background who was the suspected shooter in the murder-suicide incident.

Sacramento County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and is investigating the murder-suicide.

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What they’re saying

“Based on the evidence, detectives believe this was a murder-suicide committed by Vallerga.”

— Sacramento County Sheriff's Office

What’s next

Investigators continue to work to determine the precise motive behind the fatalities. The identities of the victims will be released following the Sacramento County Coroner's Office protocol.

The takeaway

This tragic incident has left the Sacramento community in shock and raises important questions about mental health, access to firearms, and the impact of military service on some individuals. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement face in responding to volatile domestic situations involving suspected explosives.