A father has reportedly shot and killed his twin sons in a suspected murder-suicide during a birthday party in Los Angeles. The ten-year-old boys, Joseph and Greysen Chavez, were fatally shot before their father, Gabriel Chavez, 37, turned the gun on himself on June 7.
Details of the Incident
According to the LAPD, emergency services arrived at the family home after a birthday party and found both boys deceased. Reports indicate that the mother heard two pops from inside the home and rushed to investigate. Chavez then closed the door and allegedly attempted to shoot her but missed, after which he took his own life. Police discovered a handgun at the scene. The LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division, Special Section, is investigating the incident as a murder-suicide.
Community Response
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the children’s mother. The fundraiser described the boys as “funny, goofy, and full of personality” who loved to make people laugh. It stated: “Whether they were being silly, dancing, or just being themselves, Greysen and Joseph brought so much joy into the lives of the people who loved them.” A distraught neighbor called the incident tragic, saying: “The kids never had a chance to have a life, and I don’t know why the father, if he did have issues, couldn’t have gotten help.”
Local community members gathered to share condolences. Danica Morrison, who joined a memorial for the boys, said: “There’s nothing I can do other than just try to leave something, to share some energy.” The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
