Rancho Cordova, Calif. — Authorities have classified the tragic shooting of four people in a residential neighborhood as a murder-suicide by the male occupant of the home. The victims include two children, a boy and a girl, as well as a woman.
This determination was made public on Wednesday following an extensive investigation at the scene on Mill Water Circle, which began earlier that day when emergency dispatchers received reports of both gunfire and screams around 8:30 a.m. The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department responded to multiple 911 calls from concerned neighbors.
One of the eyewitnesses, a nearby resident, alerted the authorities after hearing what they believed were gunshots. Approximately five minutes later, David Vallerga, 58, identified himself as the shooter during a call to emergency services. In a chilling statement, he mentioned having set “booby traps” around the house.
Further investigations revealed that Vallerga had a military background and was in possession of a significant collection of firearms. Following protocols, deputies quickly established a safety perimeter and began evacuating nearby homes after hearing what sounded like another gunshot coming from the residence.
In response to the potential dangers, the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail, commonly known as SWAT, deployed armored vehicles to the scene. Attempts to communicate with anyone inside the home went unanswered, prompting authorities to secure a search warrant to enter the property.
The situation escalated when tactical officers used specialized equipment to breach the residence. A drone was employed to assess the interior and ultimately located Vallerga unresponsive, gripping a firearm. Authorities proceeded to enter the home, where they found the deceased bodies of Vallerga, a 49-year-old woman, a 13-year-old boy, and an 11-year-old girl.
Due to initial concerns about improvised explosive devices, the Sheriff’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal team conducted a thorough sweep of the property, finding no such devices. However, numerous shell casings from two different calibers were recovered, aligning with firearms sourced from the home. In total, law enforcement seized 15 firearms, including a pistol found under Vallerga.
Investigators have attributed the incident to a murder-suicide narrative but have yet to establish a clear motive for the tragic events. While the identities of the victims remain undisclosed pending notification of family members, residents have indicated that the family of four was well-known in the community. The shocking nature of the incident has left the neighborhood in mourning, grappling with the unexpected loss of life.