A family celebration in California took a tragic turn when a mother allegedly committed a murder-suicide in North Hills, mere hours after the birth of her newborn. Authorities report that she shot her husband and their two young children before taking her own life.
The Los Angeles Police Department identified the mother as 30-year-old Marine Basmajian. She is accused of killing her husband, 31-year-old Khajag Basmajian, along with their toddler, 2-year-old Alec, and their newborn daughter, Ella, who was just six days old. The incident occurred inside their home on Londelius Street on May 27, shortly before 8 p.m.
Following the shootings, Marine reportedly turned the gun on herself, ending the heartbreaking sequence of events.
Authorities disclosed that the Basmajian family had recently moved to a residence owned by Khajag’s parents in North Hills. This move was prompted by safety concerns after their previous home in Winnetka was burglarized twice over the past two years.
Family members revealed that these burglaries had left Marine particularly anxious and distressed.
Family members said the break-ins left Marine especially frightened.
After the first burglary, Khajag purchased a handgun for protection, the same firearm later used in the killings, according to relatives.
What makes the case even more disturbing is what happened the night before the violence.
Family members said the household had gathered to celebrate the birth of infant Ella, who was just six days old.
The evening reportedly included music, pizza, and dancing with family.
Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters
Arthur Shamlyan, Marine’s brother, described the scene, saying:
“They were all at the family house and they were dancing, eating pizza, listening to music,” Arthur Shamlyan told the Daily Mail. “The family is very close.”
In the aftermath, relatives have been struggling to understand what led to the killings.
Some believe Marine may have been suffering from severe postpartum psychosis, a condition that can cause a break from reality following childbirth, bringing hallucinations, delusions, confusion and extreme mood changes.
Shamlyan said: “Postpartum depression is the only thing that we can think of because what she did was not like her.”
The LAPD continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the North Hills tragedy.
