The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed the identities of two young brothers killed alongside their father in a suspected murder-suicide at a San Fernando Valley apartment, a case that has left neighbors grieving and investigators piecing together what led to the tragic deaths.
Background
Greysen Chavez and Joseph Chavez, both 10 years old, were found deceased Sunday evening inside an apartment in the 8000 block of Owensmouth Avenue in Canoga Park. Their father, a 37-year-old man whose identity remains withheld pending notification to his next of kin, was also discovered dead at the scene.
Los Angeles Police Department officers from the Topanga Division responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 7:15 p.m. on June 7, 2026. Upon arrival, authorities located all three victims inside one of the bedrooms of the apartment complex. All three individuals died from apparent gunshot wounds, according to investigators.
Neighbors described a chaotic scene as relatives arrived at the property in distress following the discovery. Reports indicate the violence may have occurred during a family gathering, though LAPD has not confirmed those details.
The Investigation
LAPD Capt. Mike Bland provided initial details of the investigation, stating that a handgun was recovered at the scene. Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section, is handling the inquiry into the incident.
"Preliminary investigation indicates that this is a case of murder/suicide," Bland said in a statement. "His identity has been withheld pending notification to his next of kin."
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has listed the names of the two children but has not yet released cause of death information for any of the three victims. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Community members who gathered near the scene expressed shock and grief over the tragedy. One woman told ABC7 Eyewitness News she felt compelled to offer prayers for the family despite not knowing them personally.
Key Takeaways
- Greysen Chavez, 10, and Joseph Chavez, 10, were identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as two of three victims in a suspected murder-suicide
- The boys' father, age 37, was also found deceased at the scene; his identity is being withheld pending notification to family
- Officers discovered all three victims inside a bedroom of an apartment building on Owensmouth Avenue in Canoga Park around 7:15 p.m. Sunday
- A handgun was recovered at the scene and investigators are treating this as a murder-suicide case
- LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division, Homicide Special Section, is conducting the investigation
What's Next
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner is expected to release official cause of death determinations for all three victims pending completion of autopsy procedures. LAPD detectives continue their investigation into the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Authorities have not indicated when additional details about the case might be made public. The investigation remains active as investigators work to notify extended family members and piece together events preceding the discovery.