Murder-Suicide – Mom Killed 6-Day-Old Baby, Toddler, Husband and Herself

By Drea

June 4, 2026 7 Min Read

TITLE: Murder-Suicide: Mom Killed 6-Day-Old Baby, Toddler, Husband

On the evening of May 27, 2026, Marine Basmajian, 30, shot and killed her husband Khajag Basmajian, 31, their 2-year-old son Alec Basmajian, and their 6-day-old daughter Ella Basmajian before turning the gun on herself at their North Hills, California home. This tragic case of murder-suicide mom killed 6 day old baby toddler husband and herself left an entire young family dead and a community searching for answers. Just before 8 p.m., Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived at the residence on Londelius Street to find all four family members deceased from gunshot wounds to the head.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Marine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, while homicides claimed the lives of Khajag and both children. Meanwhile, police recovered a firearm inside the home. According to LAPD Assistant Chief Emada Tingirides, investigators found no prior history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or known family troubles in the Basmajian household, leaving the motive unclear.

What Happened on May 27, 2026?

Timeline of the North Hills Tragedy

May 21, 2026: Marine Basmajian gives birth to her daughter Ella. As a result, the family brings their newborn home to join 2-year-old Alec.

May 27, 2026, approximately 7:50 p.m.: Los Angeles Police Department officers respond to reports of shots fired at the Basmajian residence in the 16200 block of Londelius Street in North Hills. Upon arrival, they discover four bodies inside the home.

May 27, 2026, evening: Homicide detectives begin their investigation as police secure the scene. Meanwhile, members of the mayor’s Crisis Response Team arrive to provide emotional support to neighbors and extended family members.

June 1-2, 2026: The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office publicly identifies all four victims and releases their causes of death. Marine Basmajian died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. In contrast, Khajag Basmajian, Alec Basmajian, and Ella Basmajian all died from gunshot wounds to the head, with their deaths ruled homicides.

June 2, 2026: Assistant Chief Emada Tingirides addresses the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, stating that detectives found no history of domestic violence or other family issues. However, the investigation continues.

Who Were the Victims?

The Basmajian Family

Khajag Basmajian, 31, worked as a software engineer and was described by family and friends as “a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, brother, and friend.” According to a GoFundMe page established to help with funeral expenses, Khajag had “a beaming smile on his face and a positive outlook on life.” In addition, those who knew him said he was someone you could always count on.

Alec Basmajian, 2, loved toy vehicles and ice cream. Furthermore, family members wrote that he “brought joy and laughter wherever he went” with his bright smile and cheerful eyes. The toddler was excited to meet his new baby sister.

Ella Basmajian was only six days old when her life ended. Born on May 21, 2026, she spent less than a week in her family’s North Hills home.

Marine Basmajian, 30, was described by relatives as “a caring mother and wife who found comfort in organization and enjoyed gatherings among her loved ones.” Before the tragedy, friends and neighbors characterized the family as quiet and reserved.

What Do Investigators Know About the Murder-Suicide?

Police Findings and Ongoing Investigation

Detectives continue investigating this apparent murder-suicide, though they have not yet established a clear motive. Assistant Chief Tingirides told the police commission that investigators found no documented history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or other family conflicts involving the Basmajians. However, police recovered a firearm at the scene.

Neighbor Karen Banuelos told The Los Angeles Times that the children’s grandfather spoke with other neighbors about what happened. After learning about the incident, Banuelos suggested that postpartum depression might have played a role. “It’s so depressing, it’s so devastating for everyone,” she said. “Postpartum [depression] is real. To get possessed to do that? It’s just, there’s no words.”

However, police have not officially confirmed any motive related to postpartum depression or mental health issues. As a result, the investigation remains active as detectives work to understand what led to this tragedy.

Neighbor Reactions

Florence Barreras, who lived next door to the Basmajians, told ABC7 that she noticed nothing unusual the night of the shooting. In fact, the last time she saw Marine, her neighbor was still pregnant with Ella.

Andrea Morales, who lived two houses away for nearly a decade, expressed shock. “I never saw or heard anything to make me think anything like this could ever happen,” she said.

Another neighbor, Undreal Turner, emphasized the importance of community support. “We really need to hone in on our moms, and even dads, just to make sure, in the neighborhood, people that you know, that they’re OK,” Turner said. “Do they need any help? Do they need any assistance? Do they need any support?”

Understanding Postpartum Mental Health Crises

Warning Signs and Risk Factors

Although investigators have not confirmed the role of postpartum depression in this case, the tragedy highlights the serious nature of maternal mental health crises. Specifically, postpartum depression affects approximately one in seven women after childbirth. In rare cases, women develop postpartum psychosis, a severe mental health emergency that occurs in about one to two per 1,000 births.

Postpartum psychosis symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, paranoia, and thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. Because of its severity, this condition requires immediate medical intervention. Unfortunately, women experiencing postpartum psychosis often cannot recognize that their thoughts are irrational.

Risk factors for severe postpartum mental illness include previous mental health conditions, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, and stressful life circumstances. Despite these known risk factors, police found no documented mental health history for Marine Basmajian.

The Importance of Mental Health Screening

Many maternal mental health experts advocate for universal screening during pregnancy and postpartum periods. When implemented properly, early identification and treatment can prevent tragedies. However, screening alone is insufficient without accessible treatment options and support systems.

The stigma surrounding maternal mental health often prevents women from seeking help. For example, new mothers may fear judgment, losing custody of their children, or being viewed as bad parents if they admit struggling. Unfortunately, this silence can prove deadly.

Community Response and Support

Fundraising Efforts

Family members created a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. As of June 2, 2026, the fundraiser had raised more than $175,000 from over 900 donors. The page described the loss as devastating: “In a single moment, we lost an entire young family who were deeply loved by everyone who knew them.”

The funds will help the extended family navigate burial costs for all four victims while processing their grief. In addition, funerals typically cost over $10,000 per person, making the financial burden of four simultaneous services overwhelming for any family.

Crisis Response Team Involvement

Members of the mayor’s Crisis Response Team arrived at the scene on May 27 to provide emotional support and trauma-informed care to neighbors and extended family members. Throughout the evening, this all-volunteer team helped people cope during and after the traumatic incident.

How Can We Prevent Similar Tragedies?

Resources for New Mothers

Women experiencing emotional distress during pregnancy or after childbirth should seek help immediately. Warning signs that require urgent attention include thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, hearing voices or seeing things that are not there, severe anxiety or panic attacks, and inability to care for yourself or your child.

Healthcare providers, family members, and friends must watch for signs of maternal mental health struggles. Because women in crisis may not recognize their own symptoms, outside intervention becomes critical.

Breaking the Silence

Postpartum mental health crises remain under-discussed despite their prevalence. Unfortunately, society often expects new mothers to be joyful and grateful, making it difficult for struggling women to speak up. As a result, this expectation creates dangerous silence around real and treatable conditions.

Medical professionals should provide information about postpartum depression and psychosis to all expecting parents. Furthermore, partners, family members, and friends need education about warning signs so they can intervene when necessary.

What Is the Current Status of the Case?

The Los Angeles Police Department continues investigating this murder-suicide. Currently, detectives are working to establish a definitive motive for Marine Basmajian’s actions. However, police are not seeking any suspects, as they believe Marine acted alone before taking her own life.

The Medical Examiner’s Office has completed autopsies and released the bodies to the family for burial. Meanwhile, funeral arrangements for the Basmajian family were being finalized as of early June 2026.

Assistant Chief Tingirides indicated that the investigation may take additional time as detectives interview extended family members, review medical records (if available), and examine any other evidence that might explain what happened.

Stay Informed About True Crime Cases

If cases like this interest you and you want deeper analysis of criminal psychology and behavioral warning signs, consider subscribing to the Crime and Psyche YouTube channel for thoughtful, in-depth coverage of true crime stories. By understanding these tragedies, we can better recognize warning signs and potentially prevent future violence.

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A Preventable Tragedy?

The deaths of Khajag, Alec, Ella, and Marine Basmajian represent an immeasurable loss. In a matter of moments, an entire nuclear family vanished, leaving behind devastated grandparents, siblings, friends, and a shocked community. While investigators continue searching for answers, this tragedy reminds us that maternal mental health deserves serious attention and resources.

Whether postpartum psychosis, undiagnosed mental illness, or another factor caused Marine Basmajian to commit these acts may never be fully understood. Despite the uncertainty, what remains clear is that four lives ended too soon. As a result, communities must create environments where struggling mothers feel safe seeking help without fear or shame.

The Basmajian family’s story should spark conversations about maternal mental health, accessible treatment, and the support systems new parents need. Ultimately, only through awareness, education, and compassion can we hope to prevent similar tragedies from destroying other families.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Help is available.