Major Police Update on North Hills Family Massacre: Cousin’s Testimony Reveals Mother’s Postpartum Struggle Before Murder-Suicide.
Los Angeles police have released a significant new update on the heartbreaking murder-suicide in North Hills that claimed the lives of an entire young family, including a newborn baby girl who was only six days old. A man who identified himself as a cousin of the victims has provided what investigators call “key testimony,” offering critical insight into the personal struggles that may have led to the unimaginable tragedy.
The shooting took place on Wednesday evening inside a home on the 16000 block of Londelius Street. The victims were 31-year-old Khajag Basmajian, his wife (whose name is still being withheld pending full family notification), their energetic 2-year-old son Alec, and their newborn daughter Ella. All four were found dead from gunshot wounds. Authorities believe the mother shot her husband and two children before taking her own life.
In their latest briefing, police confirmed they are no longer seeking additional suspects, solidifying the case as a murder-suicide. However, the cousin’s statement has added important context about the family’s hidden pain. According to the relative, the mother had been experiencing severe postpartum distress following Ella’s birth. He described how the family had attempted to seek professional mental health support but encountered delays and difficulties accessing timely care. This testimony is now being carefully reviewed as detectives work to establish a clearer timeline of the events.
Neighbors had previously reported noticing unusual activity around the property approximately 41 minutes before the sound of gunshots echoed through the quiet street. This window of time, combined with the cousin’s account, is helping investigators understand the final hours leading up to the shooting. The relative told police the couple seemed overwhelmed by the rapid arrival of their second child, with the mother increasingly isolating herself and showing signs of emotional exhaustion.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the San Fernando Valley community. Khajag Basmajian was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated software engineer and loving father. Friends described the family as warm and close-knit, making the sudden violence even more difficult to comprehend. The deaths of two small children — especially a newborn who had barely lived six days — have particularly devastated local parents and residents.
Mental health experts and advocates have responded strongly to the new details. They are using the case to highlight gaps in postpartum care and the urgent need for faster, more accessible support for new mothers. The intense pressures of caring for a toddler and a newborn at the same time can become overwhelming, and without proper intervention, some families reach breaking points with tragic results.
Community members have gathered at the scene, leaving flowers, candles, and messages of love for the lost family. Vigils are being organized, and support funds have been created to help surviving relatives with funeral costs and grief counseling. Many in North Hills, a typically peaceful residential area, expressed disbelief that such horror could unfold behind the doors of a seemingly normal home.
Police continue to appeal for any additional information from the public. While the cousin’s testimony has been described as valuable, detectives are still examining forensic evidence, digital records, and any available security footage. No suicide note has been confirmed, but investigators are looking at all possible factors that may have contributed to the mother’s actions.
This case serves as a sobering reminder that serious mental health struggles can remain hidden even in loving families. The 41-minute period of unusual activity reported by neighbors may prove crucial in painting a complete picture of what happened that evening. For now, the focus remains on honoring the four lives lost — particularly the two innocent children who were taken far too soon.
As more information emerges, this tragedy is sparking important conversations about family support systems, early intervention for postpartum depression, and community awareness. The image of a six-day-old baby among the victims has touched hearts across Los Angeles and beyond, turning personal grief into a broader call for change.
The pain felt by extended family members is profound. In a single evening, they lost multiple generations — parents and their two young children. The cousin’s willingness to speak with police demonstrates the family’s desire for answers and their hope that sharing their story might help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
North Hills residents are coming together in sorrow and solidarity. While nothing can bring back Khajag, his wife, Alec, and little Ella, the community is determined to ensure their memory leads to positive action. Police say their latest update is intended to provide transparency and reassurance that the immediate threat is contained, while also encouraging compassion for those left behind.
The investigation continues, but one thing is clear: this heartbreaking case has reminded everyone of the importance of checking on loved ones, recognizing signs of struggle, and ensuring new parents receive the comprehensive support they need during what should be one of the happiest times of their lives.