On New Year's Day in 2014, a tragic scene was discovered inside a Tolleson, Arizona home. Eight-year-old Alejandra Gallardo-Garcia was found deceased alongside her younger sister and their father in what authorities determined to be a murder-suicide. A young family member made the devastating discovery and immediately contacted the police.
Investigators concluded that 45-year-old Alejandro Gallardo fatally shot his two daughters, Alejandra and six-year-old Angelica Gallardo-Garcia,
before turning the gun on himself. Neighbors later reported hearing sounds that in retrospect, may have been gunshots. Some also recalled previous instances of arguments coming from the Gallardo residence.
Family members were left in shock and disbelief, describing Alejandro as a loving father who adored his daughters and had no prior history of violence. His son, Francisco Gallardo, expressed his confusion over the incident. Family members did note that Alejandro had been struggling with depression, especially following a recent separation from the girls' mother. While they had attempted to support him, they were unaware of the depths of his despair. A memorial was established in front of the family's home as the community mourned the loss of the two young sisters.
