Left: Darin McFarland (El Dorado Sheriff”s Office via KCRA). Right: Marissa Divodi-Lessa and Josiah Divodi-Lessa (GoFundMe).
A firefighter from California is facing homicide charges in the deaths of his 29-year-old girlfriend and her son, according to authorities.
Darin McFarlin, aged 47, faces charges for the murder of his girlfriend, Marissa N. Divodi-Lessa, and her son, who has been identified by family members as Josiah Divodi-Lessa.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a shooting incident around 9 p.m. on Thursday at a residence located in the 3000 block of Oakwood Road in Cameron Park, about 30 miles east of Sacramento. Upon arrival, they discovered the two victims inside the home with gunshot wounds. Divodi-Lessa was declared dead at the scene, while paramedics transported her son to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities identified McFarlin as a person of interest and arrested him a few hours later on charges of homicide. McFarlin is employed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as CalFire.
According to NBC affiliate KCRA, McFarlin holds the position of fire captain within the Amador El Dorado unit. This agency, responsible for combating wildfires across California, informed KCRA that it is currently keeping track of the situation. Meanwhile, over 1,000 of his firefighting colleagues are engaged in controlling a nearby wildfire, which was reported to be 37 percent contained by Sunday morning.
Law enforcement officials have yet to disclose a motive for the killings. Further details may be revealed once a criminal complaint, which would provide more context to the homicides, becomes available.
Divodi-Lessa leaves behind a daughter. A GoFundMe page included a message from the girl about her mother and younger brother, who went by JoJo.
She always made me laugh. Every night, she would tuck me in, and we’d exchange, “I love you.” “I love you more.” “I love you most.” We cherished our card games, movie nights, and times spent together. My brother, JoJo, was my Hide-and-Seek partner and loved playing games with me. That day, we crafted a box with charming necklaces, securing it with a lock. It was filled with toys (as rewards) for his good behavior. JoJo was such a sweet child. Despite his health issues, Mommy ensured he received the correct diet and care. She was the best mommy everrrrr!
Josiah was a second-grader at Blue Oak Elementary School, KCRA reported.
McFarlin remains at the El Dorado County Jail without bond.
