Rancho Cordova Murder-Suicide Victims Identified

Four dead in apparent murder-suicide, including two children

Jan. 30, 2026 at 12:15am

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Authorities have identified the four victims of a murder-suicide incident in Rancho Cordova, California. Police responded to reports of gunfire on Tuesday morning and found 58-year-old David Vallerga, 49-year-old Lindsey Burger, 11-year-old Sydney Peralta Vallerga, and 13-year-old Colton Peralta Vallerga dead at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds. Detectives believe Vallerga killed the woman and children before taking his own life, though a motive has not yet been determined.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the Rancho Cordova community, raising concerns about domestic violence and access to firearms. The deaths of the two children are particularly devastating, and the community is coming together to grieve and support the families affected.

The details

Police responded to a home in the 5400 block of Mill Water Circle around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday after receiving reports of gunfire in the area. When they entered the home, they found the four victims unresponsive with apparent gunshot wounds. Authorities believe Vallerga, the 58-year-old male victim, killed the woman and two children before taking his own life, though a motive has not been determined.

  • The initial 911 call came in around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
  • Police responded to the home and found the four victims deceased at the scene.

The players

David Vallerga

A 58-year-old man who authorities believe killed the woman and two children before taking his own life.

Lindsey Burger

A 49-year-old woman who was killed in the incident.

Sydney Peralta Vallerga

An 11-year-old child who was killed in the incident.

Colton Peralta Vallerga

A 13-year-old child who was killed in the incident.

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What’s next

Detectives are still investigating the incident to determine a motive. The community is coming together to grieve and support the families affected.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking murder-suicide highlights the need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic violence and ensure the safety of vulnerable members of the community, especially children.