Sacramento County sheriff’s officials announced Wednesday that investigators had confirmed that the deaths of four people — including two children — inside a Rancho Cordova home earlier this week were the result of a murder-suicide, following an extensive investigation and hours-long tactical response, the department announced Tuesday.
According to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, investigators believe 58-year-old David Vallerga fatally shot three family members before taking his own life inside a residence on the 5400 block of Mill Water Circle in Rancho Cordova. The victims include a 49-year-old woman, a 13-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl. All four were found deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
The incident began shortly after 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, when Rancho Cordova police officers were dispatched to reports of possible gunshots in the neighborhood. A neighbor reported hearing what sounded like gunfire along with screaming coming from the area.
Less than five minutes later, sheriff’s officials said a male caller — later identified as Vallerga — contacted the 9-1-1 Communications Center, provided his address and stated he was “the shooter” and had installed booby traps inside the residence.
Officers established a perimeter around the home and began evacuating nearby residents. During the response, deputies reported hearing what they believed to be a single gunshot from inside the house. Authorities also confirmed Vallerga had prior military experience and was known to possess numerous firearms.
Due to the potential threat, the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail, including SWAT team members, was deployed. Two armored BearCat vehicles were used as deputies attempted to call out any occupants. A search warrant was approved as the standoff continued.
After receiving no response, SWAT personnel deployed a smaller armored vehicle known as the Rook, breached a side fence and entered the property through a sliding glass door. A Sheriff’s Office SCOUT unmanned aerial system was flown into the residence, where deputies located Vallerga unresponsive, holding a pistol in his right hand.
SWAT team members then entered the home and located the three additional victims. All four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.
Because of earlier claims involving booby traps, the Sheriff’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conducted a thorough sweep of the residence and surrounding area. No explosive devices were found.
Sheriff’s homicide detectives and crime scene investigators collected evidence and interviewed witnesses. Investigators recovered multiple shell casings from two different calibers that were matched to firearms found inside the home. A second pistol was located beneath Vallerga’s body, and approximately 14 additional firearms were seized.
Based on the totality of the evidence, detectives concluded the incident was a murder-suicide carried out by Vallerga. Investigators said they are continuing to work to determine a motive.
The identities of the victims will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office in accordance with standard protocol.
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