Tragic Shooting in Cameron Park
On Thursday evening, Marissa Divodi-Lessa, 29, and her second-grade son, Josiah Divodi-Lessa, were found shot dead in their Cameron Park, California, home, according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. Marissa was pronounced dead at the scene, while Josiah, a student at Blue Oak Elementary School, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Another child in the home was found unharmed.
Fire Captain Identified as Suspect
Authorities arrested Darin McFarlin, a 47-year-old fire captain with the California Department of Forestry and Fire, just after midnight on Friday. McFarlin, who was Marissa’s boyfriend, has been charged with five felony counts, including first-degree murder, attempted murder of another child, and child abuse. He was booked into the El Dorado County Jail and pleaded not guilty during a Monday court appearance.
Allegations of Premeditated Murder
Prosecutors allege the killings were “deliberate and premeditated,” claiming McFarlin targeted Marissa to prevent her from testifying against him in a criminal matter, though the specifics of the case remain unclear. The criminal complaint details that McFarlin inflicted corporal injury on Marissa in the bedroom before she used her cellphone, after which he retrieved a gun and killed her in the dining room. The murder charges carry special circumstances for multiple murders, potentially leading to the death penalty or life without parole.
Community Mourns a Loving Mother and Son
Marissa Divodi-Lessa was remembered as “a light and full of love and life” in a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over $47,000 to support her family’s legal fees. Her daughter, Serafina, described her as “the best Mommy ever,” recalling their nightly ritual of exchanging “I love you” affirmations. The community continues to grapple with the loss of Marissa and Josiah.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
McFarlin faces additional charges of child abuse related to the second child in the home and injuring Marissa prior to her death. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 29, 2025, as the investigation continues to uncover the motives and circumstances behind this devastating act.
