The predawn emergency response became a homicide investigation after firefighters discovered a couple and their young son dead inside the residence.
MAYWOOD, Calif. — A predawn fire at a two-story Maywood home led emergency crews to three family members who had been shot to death, prompting authorities to investigate an apparent murder-suicide as they also work to determine what started the blaze.
Los Angeles County Fire Department crews were called at about 2:25 a.m. Saturday to the 5000 block of East 61st Street. Smoke was coming from the residence when personnel arrived, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Deputy Phillip Arellano said. Three people were subsequently found dead inside.
What began as a residential fire response developed into a homicide investigation after authorities determined the three victims had gunshot wounds. Sheriff’s officials described them as a married man and woman in their late 40s and their son, who was younger than 10. Their identities were not immediately made public.
A handgun was recovered in the same room where the three people were found, according to the sheriff’s department. Lt. Eric Arias of the department’s Homicide Bureau said investigators preliminarily believed the father was the shooter. The incident appeared to be domestic in nature, Arias said, and authorities were not looking for a suspect.
Investigators had not publicly detailed what happened inside the residence before firefighters arrived. Authorities also had not announced a motive or provided a complete timeline of the shootings. The preliminary determination about the father remained part of an active investigation Saturday.
The fire presents a second unresolved part of the case. Investigators said it originated on the first floor, but further information about its cause was not immediately available. Officials had not said whether the blaze was deliberately started or whether it began before or after the shootings.
Determining that sequence could help clarify how the overnight incident unfolded, but authorities had not released evidence establishing a connection between the fire and the gunfire. Officials also had not announced any final determination about the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
Emergency and investigative crews continued working at the property Saturday morning. Authorities were seen examining the scene and speaking with people near the residence as the homicide and fire investigations continued.
The names of the man, woman and child remained withheld pending official identification and family notification. Authorities said no suspect was being sought, while the cause of the fire and additional details surrounding the three deaths remained under investigation.
Author note: Last updated September 5, 2026.