Tragic Discovery in Rancho Cordova Home
A devastating incident unfolded in Rancho Cordova, California, where a family-of-four was found dead in their home under circumstances described by authorities as an apparent murder-suicide. The Sacramento Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a shooting on Tuesday, discovering four individuals with fatal gunshot wounds inside the residence.
Eerie Call and Booby Trap Warning
First responders received a chilling phone call from a person claiming to be the shooter, who informed officers that he had placed booby traps around the property. Sergeant Edward Igoe confirmed this detail at a press conference, stating, 'We have received an additional call from someone identifying themselves as the shooter and stating that they had also placed some booby traps at the location.'
Investigators utilised a drone to safely assess the scene, revealing the bodies of a man, a woman, and two children. The sheriff's office later issued a statement indicating, 'Based upon the investigation, including evidence at the scene and witness statements, detectives believe this was a murder-suicide at the male subject's hand.'
Identification and Family Background
While the coroner's office is formally working to identify the deceased, public records list the homeowners as David Edward Vallerga Jr., aged 58, and Lindsey Peralta Vallerga, aged 49. The couple resided in the $633,000 property with their two children: a 13-year-old son named Colton and an 11-year-old daughter named Sydney.
Business records obtained by The Sacramento Bee show that the couple operated two tutoring franchise businesses under the name Grade Power Learning. Lindsey Peralta Vallerga listed herself as the owner of the Elk Grove location on her Facebook page, while David Vallerga identified as the centre director on his profile.
Social Media Insights and Community Ties
Recent social media activity provided glimpses into the family's life. On January 16, Lindsey updated her cover photo to an image of the family standing outside their tutoring centre. However, by Friday, she had changed it to a comic book-style representation of the business.
David Vallerga regularly posted updates, often tagging his wife. In one December post, he wrote, 'Kids don't want to, but damnit Lindsey and I are going to watch Rouldoph (sic) the Red Nose Reindeer on broadcast television, with commercials. And, we're going to like it!'
The couple had previously spoken to The Sacramento Bee in November 2021 about community development in Elk Grove. David remarked, 'For a long time, Elk Grove has been a bedroom community, but this is what helps change that... All these things change Elk Grove from a place where you sleep to a place where you live.'
Investigation Details and Official Statements
Dispatch audio reviewed by The Bee revealed that the caller identified himself as the shooter, stating, 'I'm the shooter. I'm setting up booby traps and turning off the cellphone.' Sergeant Igoe declined to formally identify the family due to coroner's office policy but noted that the male resident had several firearms registered in his name, prior military service, and possible military equipment.
Igoe expressed the difficulty of such incidents, saying, 'A response to something of this magnitude is always extremely difficult. And honestly, as an agency, our prayers are with friends and families of those involved today. And God bless them.' The Sacramento Sheriff's Office has been contacted for further information as the investigation continues.
