California Fire Captain Charged with Murdering Girlfriend and Son Who Witnessed a Previous Crime
A California fire captain is facing serious allegations following the tragic deaths of his girlfriend and her young son. According to reports from the El Dorado Sheriff’s Department, Captain Darin McFarlin of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder stemming from the slayings of 29-year-old Marissa Divodi-Lessa and her second-grade son, Josiah.
The incident unfolded on August 21, 2025, when authorities responded to reports of a shooting at a residence in Cameron Park, located approximately 30 miles east of Sacramento, amidst the Sierra Nevada foothills. Upon their arrival at the scene around 9 p.m., officers discovered Divodi-Lessa deceased from a gunshot wound. Efforts to save Josiah were initiated immediately, but he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital after also suffering fatal injuries.
Investigators later found a second child on the premises, who reportedly was unharmed during the incident. Within hours of the shooting, McFarlin was identified as a person of interest and was taken into custody shortly after midnight on August 21.
The criminal complaint filed against McFarlin outlines that the murders were “willful, deliberate and premeditated.” It is alleged that he acted out of a desire to prevent the victims from providing testimony regarding an undisclosed other crime involving him.
In addition to the two counts of first-degree murder, McFarlin faces charges of attempted murder concerning the second child found at the scene, alongside charges of domestic violence and child abuse. Despite the gravity of the accusations, McFarlin has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case continues to unfold as authorities gather evidence and proceed with their investigation. The community is left in shock over the violent nature of these events, prompting reactions of disbelief and concern over domestic violence and child safety. The broader implications of this case are yet to be fully understood, and it reflects ongoing issues within family and domestic dynamics.
As the legal proceedings advance, attention will remain on both the developments of this case and the steps authorities will take to address the underlying factors that contribute to such tragic incidents. Media News Source will continue to provide updates on this developing story.
