Left: Darin McFarland (El Dorado Sheriff”s Office via KCRA). Right: Marissa Divodi-Lessa and Josiah Divodi-Lessa (GoFundMe).
A firefighter from California faces murder, attempted murder and child abuse charges in the deaths of his 29-year-old girlfriend and her son.
Darin McFarlin, aged 47, faces accusations of murdering his girlfriend, Marissa N. Divodi-Lessa, and her son, whom the family identified as Josiah Divodi-Lessa. In the complaint, Marissa is referred to as Marissa Herzog.
McFarlin has been charged with two counts of murder, as well as charges of attempted murder, child abuse, and domestic violence. Prosecutors claim McFarlin shot Divodi-Lessa while she was trying to use her cellphone in their dining room. He also reportedly attempted to harm another child who was present in the home at that time.
The complaint hints at a potential motive, suggesting the killings were done “to prevent testimony.” The victims were alleged witnesses to a crime and were “deliberately murdered” because of it. However, the nature of the crime they observed is not detailed. Prosecutors from the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office indicated to Law&Crime that no additional comments could be made beyond what the criminal complaint contains.
Previously covered by Law&Crime, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies responded to a shooting at around 9 p.m. on a Thursday at a residence located on the 3000 block of Oakwood Road in Cameron Park, about 30 miles from Sacramento. Upon arrival, deputies found the victims with gunshot injuries. Divodi-Lessa was declared deceased at the scene, and her son was transported to the hospital, where he later passed away.
Authorities soon identified McFarlin as a suspect and arrested him on homicide charges within a few hours. McFarlin is employed with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, known as CalFire.
According to local NBC affiliate KCRA, McFarlin holds the position of fire captain in the Amador El Dorado unit. This agency, responsible for combating California’s wildfires, communicated to KCRA that they are keeping an eye on the situation. Meanwhile, over 1,000 of his fellow firefighters were fighting a nearby wildfire at that time.
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. She would always tuck [me] in at night and we would always tell each other, “I love you.” “I love you more.” “I love you most.” We loved playing card games, watching movies and hanging out. My brother, JoJo, would always play games with me, especially Hide-and-Seek. That day, we made a box with cute necklaces. The box had a lock on it. It was filled with toys in it (as rewards) for whenever he was good. He was such a sweet boy. JoJo had some health issues and Mommy was so good about being sure he had the right foods and proper 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.
