On February 28, 2022, a tragic incident occurred at The Church in Sacramento, California, resulting in the death of 10-year-old Samantha Mora Gutierrez, along with her sisters, 9-year-old Samarah Mora Gutierrez and 13-year-old Samia Mora Gutierrez. The girls were killed by their father, David Mora Rojas, during a supervised visit at the church. The incident also claimed the life of Nathaniel Kong, a 59-year-old chaperone who was overseeing the visit.
Following the shootings, David Mora Rojas took his own life.
David Mora Rojas had a history of domestic violence and mental instability. Court documents revealed that Samantha's mother, Illeana Gutierrez Rios, had sought a domestic violence restraining order against Mora in April 2021, citing his threats and abusive behavior. Despite the restraining order, which included a ban on possessing firearms, Mora managed to obtain an AR-style rifle, which he used in the attack. The firearm was identified as a "Privately Made Firearm" with no serial number or manufacturer markings.
In the days leading up to the tragic event, Mora had been arrested in Merced County on charges of resisting arrest, battery on a police officer, and driving under the influence. He was out on bail at the time of the shootings. The restraining order allowed Mora only supervised visits with his daughters, which were to be conducted with a mutually agreed-upon chaperone. Nathaniel Kong, who was an executive at the church, was serving as the chaperone during the fatal visit.
The investigation into the incident revealed that Mora had been living at the church as part of an arrangement, while his daughters and their mother lived elsewhere. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department and other authorities have been working to understand how Mora obtained the firearm despite the court order. The community has been deeply affected by the tragedy, with numerous vigils held in memory of the victims.
