California – In a devastating case of domestic violence in California, a 47-year-old man, identified as Darin M., is behind bars after being charged with two counts of homicide in the fatal shootings of his 29-year-old girlfriend, identified as Marissa D., and her 7-year-old son, identified as Josiah D. The killings took place inside Darin’s residence late Thursday night, leaving a community stunned and a family shattered.
Deputies with the sheriff’s office responded to reports of a shooting around 9 p.m. Upon arrival, first responders discovered both victims inside the home, each suffering from gunshot wounds. Marissa was pronounced dead at the scene. Her son, Josiah, was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Investigators quickly identified Darin as a suspect. He was taken into custody just hours later and booked into the county jail at 5:30 a.m. on August 22. He is being held without bond. Authorities have not released a motive, and no criminal complaint detailing the circumstances has yet been made public.
Darin, a veteran firefighter, remains employed with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. The agency, responsible for battling some of the state’s largest wildfires, said it is monitoring the situation. As news of the arrest emerged, over a thousand of Darin’s colleagues were actively working to contain a nearby wildfire. The killings have left a lasting impact on those who knew the victims. Josiah, known affectionately as JoJo, was a second-grader at a local elementary school. His school district confirmed his passing in a somber message to the community. A GoFundMe set up for funeral expenses has raised more than $45,000 as of Tuesday.
Marissa’s daughter, now left without her mother or younger brother, shared heartfelt memories in the fundraiser description. “She always made me laugh. She would always tuck in at night and we would always tell each other, ‘I love you.’ ‘I love you more.’ ‘I love you most.’” The girl described how she and her brother spent their last day together making a treasure box filled with toy rewards and how their mother made sure Josiah’s health needs were always met. “She was the best Mommy everrrrr,” the message read.
Though neighbors reported nothing suspicious before the shooting, one said Darin had waved hello earlier that day, just as he always did. Hours later, that same neighborhood would become a crime scene. Another juvenile was reportedly present in the home during the shooting but was found safe. Their relationship to the victims has not been clarified. As Darin remains in jail awaiting formal arraignment, the community continues to search for answers. With no explanation offered by the suspect or law enforcement, the motive behind the slayings remains a haunting void in an already unbearable tragedy.
