Makani Waz, a 13-year-old boy from Redondo Beach, California, tragically lost his life on July 11, 2018, in a devastating incident that shocked the community. Makani, along with his mother Ivana Waz, was a victim of a murder-suicide carried out by his father, Marc Waz. The incident occurred in their family home, where Marc Waz, reportedly despondent over a back injury that left him in constant pain, shot and killed his wife and son before turning the gun on himself. The bodies were discovered by police responding to a report of shots fired at their residence on Esplanade Avenue.
Marc Waz, who had been struggling with severe pain and depression following a construction accident, was described by friends as a good person who had become increasingly despondent due to his condition. Despite taking pain medication, he found no relief, which contributed to his deteriorating mental state. Ivana Waz, a product management specialist at Mattel, had been urging her husband to seek help for his depression. The couple had been high school sweethearts and were well-regarded in their community.
The murder-suicide left the community in mourning, particularly Makani's soccer team, the L.A. Galaxy South Bay, where he had been a dedicated player for five years. His teammates and coaches held a memorial service to honor Makani and his mother, releasing balloons in their memory. The tragedy also prompted the creation of a GoFundMe page to support the family's loved ones with funeral expenses.
There were no arrests or suspects beyond Marc Waz, as the case was determined to be a murder-suicide. The investigation by the Redondo Beach Police Department confirmed that Marc Waz was responsible for the deaths of his wife and son before taking his own life. The community continues to remember Makani and Ivana Waz, cherishing their memories and the impact they had on those around them.
