Cal Fire captain Darin McFarlin accused of killing girlfriend and her son to ‘prevent’ them from testifying against him for another crime
A tragic incident unfolded in Cameron Park, California, where California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Capt. Darin McFarlin has been charged with the murders of his girlfriend, Marissa Divodi-Lessa, and her young son, Josiah. The motive behind the heinous act was allegedly to prevent the victims from testifying about a crime they witnessed McFarlin commit.
The heartbreaking events took place on the evening of August 21, with authorities responding to a home in Cameron Park where they found Marissa and Josiah suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save them, Marissa was pronounced dead at the scene, while Josiah, a second grader at Blue Oak Elementary School, succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital.
McFarlin was swiftly identified as the suspect and arrested in the early hours of August 22. He has been charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder, child abuse, domestic violence, and other related charges. The investigation revealed that McFarlin and Marissa were in a domestic relationship, with prosecutors alleging that McFarlin intentionally killed them to prevent them from testifying about a crime he had committed.
According to the criminal complaint, McFarlin inflicted harm on Marissa in their bedroom before fatally shooting her in the dining room when she attempted to use her phone. He also allegedly tried to harm the second child present in the home. Despite pleading not guilty to all charges during his initial court appearance, McFarlin faces the possibility of the death penalty or life in prison without parole if convicted.
The tragic loss of Marissa and Josiah has left their loved ones and the community in mourning. Marissa was described as a loving and vibrant individual, leaving behind a daughter, Serafina, who fondly remembers their bedtime rituals and the love they shared. Josiah, known as ‘Jojo,’ was a sweet boy who faced health challenges, but his mother always took care of him with devotion.
As the legal proceedings continue, the community grapples with the shock and grief of the senseless double murder. Cal Fire Director Joe Tyler expressed his condolences to the victims’ family and the community, emphasizing the profound impact of the tragedy on the department’s personnel. McFarlin has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending further developments in the case, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 29.
