Angelica Cardiel, aged 45, tragically lost her life on March 5, 2017, in El Centro, California. The incident was part of a devastating murder-suicide that also claimed the lives of her 24-year-old daughter, Deanna Zambrano, and her 5-year-old son, Zac Darby. The El Centro Police Department responded to a call regarding possible shots fired at a residence on Palmview Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered Stephaney Darby, 48, deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the garage. Further investigation led officers to another residence on Elm Avenue, where they found the bodies of Angelica, Deanna, and Zac, all victims of gunshot wounds.
The investigation revealed that Stephaney Darby, who had previously lived with Angelica and shared a child with her, was responsible for the murders. The motive behind the tragic event remains unclear, but it was determined that Darby carried out the murders before taking his own life. The community was left in shock and mourning, with friends and family struggling to comprehend the senseless loss of life.
In the aftermath, there were no further arrests or suspects, as the case was conclusively identified as a murder-suicide. The police and the Imperial County Sheriff's Office Coroner conducted a thorough investigation, confirming the sequence of events and the identities of the victims. The tragic incident highlighted the importance of addressing domestic violence and mental health issues to prevent such devastating outcomes in the future.
