The community of Hanford, California, is reeling from a tragic incident that unfolded early Sunday morning, involving a murder-suicide that has left residents in a state of shock and mourning.
“It’s definitely going to be different now,” expressed local resident Kelly Avila. “We used to hear their voices, and now that’s gone… It was something that brought us joy,” she added.
Kelly and her husband, Craig, remember the family next door as one filled with happiness and vibrancy, now shattered by a devastating act of violence.
“Listening to everything unfold felt like an audiobook narrating a scene, as we tried to picture it all,” Craig remarked. “It just sounded like they were having a wonderful time.”
The distress call originated from a residence situated near the intersection of University and Stanford Avenue in Hanford.
According to Hanford Police, the call captured sounds of an argument, followed by a succession of loud noises, which authorities suspect were gunshots.
Police arrived at the home within minutes, but before officers could get inside, a final gunshot went off.
“When officers arrived on scene, the first two officers went up to the front door, announced themselves, saw a male walk by a window, and then pulled a gun and shot himself,” said Hanford Police Lieutenant Justin Vallin.
Police say the suspect, 33-year-old Vincent Diaz, forced his way into the home and killed 25-year-old Adrian Valdovinos before taking his own life.
Investigators say Diaz parked his car roughly 100 yards away before approaching the home with a high-capacity firearm.
Valdovinos was dating Diaz’s ex-wife.
The entire sequence unfolded in less than ten minutes.
“It happened very fast. As soon as the officers went up to the residence, they knocked, they announced themselves. Immediately they saw the suspect walk from one side to another side,” said Lt. Vallin.
Valdovinos was well-known in Hanford as a talented young boxer, and police say he and Diaz had no previous conflict.
Diaz and his wife had been separated since August, court records show that she requested a restraining order from him in March that involved their child.
Craig and Lauren Avila had grown fond of hearing the family laugh and play.
Prior to their separation, they say they were the perfect neighbors, and they never expected such a dark outcome.
“You used to be able to hear all of them all of the time, singing, and having a great time in the house and all of that, so for this to happen is just.. It’s sad to see,” Craig said.
Police are still working to figure out how Diaz got a hold of that gun, as he was a convicted felon and legally should not have been in the possession of a firearm.
This is Hanford’s third homicide of the year.
If you are experiencing suicidal, substance use or other mental health crises please call or text the new three digit code at 988. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org or dial the current toll free number 800-273-8255 [TALK].
Copyright © 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.
