Devastated Mother Collapses in Agony Outside Canoga Park Apartment After Father Kills 10-Year-Old Twin Sons in Suspected Murder-Suicide.
A quiet family gathering in Canoga Park, California, turned into an unimaginable nightmare on Sunday evening, June 7, 2026, leaving a community shattered and a mother screaming for her lost children in the streets. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, 37-year-old father fatally shot his 10-year-old twin sons, Joseph and Greysen Chavez, before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide. The boys’ mother survived after he allegedly fired at her but missed.
The tragedy unfolded around 7:15 p.m. in the 8000 block of Owensmouth Avenue inside an apartment complex. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots during what was described as a family celebration. The mother told police she heard popping sounds, ran to the bedroom, and was confronted by her husband who slammed the door, pointed a gun at her, and fired—fortunately missing. Moments later, he took his own life after killing the two boys.
First responders arrived to a horrific scene: the two young boys and their father pronounced dead at the location. The twins suffered fatal gunshot wounds, reportedly to the head. A handgun was recovered at the scene. LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division is leading the investigation, treating it as a murder-suicide, but officials have noted they are looking into “inconsistencies” and the full circumstances surrounding the domestic incident.
Heart-wrenching video and eyewitness accounts captured the aftermath. A woman—believed to be the boys’ mother—was seen exiting an ambulance, collapsing in tears on the street outside the apartment, repeatedly crying out for her sons. She clutched stuffed animals, her grief raw and overwhelming as neighbors and crisis responders tried to console her. The sounds of wailing filled the neighborhood as family members were escorted in and out of the building.
The victims have been identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as Joseph Chavez and Greysen Chavez, both 10 years old. Their father, whose name has not been fully released publicly pending further confirmation, was in his mid-to-late 30s. No prior public threats were reported, and authorities have not disclosed a clear motive, though domestic issues are being explored.
This incident has left the tight-knit Canoga Park community reeling. Neighbors left flowers and teddy bears at the scene, expressing shock that such violence could erupt during what should have been a joyful family time. Mental health advocates are reminding the public that help is available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, especially in the wake of such family tragedies.
Police continue to investigate potential irregularities, including the exact sequence of events, any prior warnings, and the family dynamics. While initial reports point to a straightforward murder-suicide, authorities are interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence to ensure no other factors were involved. The case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence in domestic settings and the hidden struggles that can lead to such irreversible acts.
The surviving mother now faces the unimaginable task of grieving two young lives cut short. Joseph and Greysen were described by those who knew them as bright, energetic boys full of potential. Their sudden loss has sparked an outpouring of support from the San Fernando Valley community, with many questioning how a father could commit such an act against his own children.
As the investigation proceeds, this tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, domestic violence prevention, and community vigilance. Families are urged to seek help early if facing crises. In the days ahead, more details may emerge about the irregularities police are probing, potentially shedding light on warning signs that went unnoticed.
The images of a broken mother collapsing in the street, calling out her sons’ names into the void, will haunt Canoga Park for years to come—a painful symbol of love destroyed in a moment of unimaginable despair.