A community in Los Angeles has been rocked by the news of a murder-suicide taking place in their neighborhood. The incident, which claimed the lives of four people, including two young children, took place in North Hills. On a quiet evening where nothing seemed out of the ordinary, suddenly gunshots rang out from a home that no one would have expected them to come from. While nothing has been confirmed, the victims, who all died from gunshot wounds, were a family.
Currently, police are still trying to piece together what happened. But neighbors are coming together to support each other through this tragic time.
There aren’t many details yet.
Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department were called to the home around 8 p.m. on May 27, 2026, after receiving reports of a shooting, KABC reported. When they arrived, they found four people inside dead from gunshot wounds. Police are investigating the shootings as a confirmed murder-suicide.
The LA County medical examiner’s office has identified three of the four victims, the outlet reported. They are 6-day-old Ella Basmajian, 2-year-old Alec Basmajian, and 31-year-old Khajag Basmajian. The fourth victim, a woman in her 30s, has not been identified publicly, pending her family being notified.
Khajag Basmajian is believed to be the father of the children, KTLA reported. The woman, who investigators believe is the mother, is also believed to be the shooter. It appears that she shot her two children before shooting their father and then herself.
A neighbor alleged the mom may have been dealing with mental health issues.
However, that has not been confirmed by investigators, the outlet reported. Right now, there are conflicting reports as to who reported the shooting. KTLA reported that police were alerted after neighbors called, saying they heard gunshots coming from inside the home.
However, FOX 11 LA reported that a family member called and reported the shootings. The investigation is ongoing.
According to KABC, Khajag Basmajian worked as a software engineer at BlackLine. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this devastating situation. Out of respect for the family and the ongoing investigation, we will not be commenting further,” the company said in a statement.
Neighbors are shocked by the murder-suicide.
“It’s just shocking to be in our neighborhood, something that drastic and devastating in the neighborhood. It’s sad. Four people lost their lives today,” neighbor Undreal Turner told KABC. “We really need to hone in on our moms, and even dads, just to make sure, in the neighborhood, people that you know, that they’re OK. Do they need any help? Do they need any assistance?”
Another neighbor who chose not to be identified, told KTLA that she never saw the family fight. In fact, she saw the husband taking out the garbage around 7 p.m. while she was walking her dog. No one would have guessed he’d be dead an hour later.
On May 28, neighbors were leaving flowers outside of the home, KTLA reported.
Paula Smith, who didn’t know the family but lives in the neighborhood, expressed sadness for the loss of life, especially the children. “We live a few blocks away and we heard all the helicopters last night. We didn’t know what was going on,” she said. “But to wake up this morning and to hear about this and these kids, it’s really heartbreaking. So go home and love the people you love. If someone is hurting, please reach out. Don’t be ashamed.”
Luis Enriquez, another neighbor, spoke with CBS LA about the killings. “It’s hard, like I don’t know how someone could be driven to do something like that, that is such innocence,” he said. “I don’t know who did it, I don’t know the whole information, but to me, even if it’s a stranger, how can you do that to a child. Two children in this case.”
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
