Darin Blake McFarlin plead guilty in 2025 domestic violence killings of girlfriend and young son
CAMERON PARK — A former captain with the CAL FIRE has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in an El Dorado County double homicide case.
Darin Blake McFarlin, 47, was sentenced this week by Judge Mark Ralphs in El Dorado County Superior Court to two consecutive terms of life without the possibility of parole for the Aug. 21, 2025, shooting deaths of Marissa Herzog and her son, Josiah “JoJo” Divodi-Lessa.
McFarlin had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, along with attempted murder for threatening Herzog’s then 9-year-old daughter during the attack. The girl, who witnessed the killings, later escaped the Cameron Park home and sought help. Family members told the court she continues to suffer significant emotional trauma.
The violence unfolded inside the family’s home on Oakwood Road in Cameron Park, a community just east of Folsom, following an argument that escalated into a fatal shooting. Prosecutors described the case as a domestic violence attack.
According to details presented in court, Herzog was in communication with her father as the situation intensified. Prosecutors said McFarlin retrieved a firearm and fatally shot Herzog before also shooting her young son when he entered the room.
Deputies with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting around 9 p.m. that evening. Herzog was found deceased at the scene, while her son was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
McFarlin fled the area following the shooting and was arrested early Aug. 22 in Mono County along Highway 395 without incident.
The courtroom was filled with family members and friends during Monday’s sentencing hearing, many of whom delivered victim impact statements describing the loss and its effects. A letter written by Herzog’s daughter was read aloud, detailing her grief following the deaths of her mother and brother.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Lisette Suder told the court that McFarlin’s actions reflected a pattern of control and self-interest, emphasizing the severity of the violence and its impact on the victims and their family.
McFarlin, who had served with CAL FIRE since 2000 in the Amador-El Dorado Unit, was terminated from his position following his arrest. He briefly addressed the court during the hearing, apologizing for his actions and acknowledging responsibility.
With the sentence now imposed, the case concludes criminal proceedings in a tragedy that continues to affect the victims’ family.
Copyright © 2026, Folsom Times, a digital product of All Town Media LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Focus Keywords: Cameron Park, CAL FIRE captain, Darin Blake McFarlin, El Dorado County Superior Court, Mark Ralphs, Marissa Herzog, Josiah JoJo Divodi-Lessa, domestic violence, Oakwood Road, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Mono County, Highway 395, Amador El Dorado Unit, attempted murder, murder, sentencing, life without parole
