David Edward Vallerga Jr. and the 2026 Rancho Cordova Family Murders
Overview of the Case
On January 27, 2026, 58-year-old David Edward Vallerga Jr. killed his wife and their two children inside the family's home in Rancho Cordova, California, before fatally shooting himself. The deaths occurred in the 5400 block of Mill Water Circle, a residential cul-de-sac in Sacramento County. Investigators with the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office classified the shooting as a murder-suicide and identified Vallerga as the person responsible for the three homicides.
The victims were Vallerga's 49-year-old wife, Lindsey Burger, who was also publicly known as Lindsey Peralta Vallerga, and the couple's children, 13-year-old Colton Peralta Vallerga and 11-year-old Sydney Peralta Vallerga. All three victims suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Authorities have not publicly identified a confirmed motive for the killings.
The Morning of the Shooting
The emergency began shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, when a neighbor called 911 and reported hearing gunshots and screaming near Mill Water Circle and Copper Sunset Way. Witness accounts indicated that several shots were heard during the disturbance. The violence was especially alarming because the surrounding Rancho Cordova neighborhood was generally described as quiet and peaceful.
Less than five minutes after the first report, Vallerga called the Sacramento County 911 communications center. According to the Sheriff's Office, he provided his address, identified himself as the shooter and claimed that he had installed booby traps inside the residence. The warning caused responding officers to treat the property as a possible explosive threat as well as an active shooting scene.
Officers established a perimeter around the house and evacuated nearby residents. Investigators learned that Vallerga had previous military experience and possessed numerous firearms, increasing concerns that entering the home could place officers and neighbors in additional danger. Deputies also reported hearing what they believed was another gunshot after arriving in the area.
Law Enforcement Response
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Special Enforcement Detail, the agency's tactical team, was called to the scene. Officers attempted to contact anyone inside the residence, but they received no response. A search warrant was obtained before the tactical team moved forward with an entry plan.
Deputies used armored vehicles during the operation. A smaller armored vehicle known as a Rook was used to breach a side or rear fence and open a sliding glass door. A Sheriff's Office drone was then flown into the residence so officers could inspect the interior without immediately exposing themselves to gunfire or possible explosive devices.
The drone located Vallerga lying unresponsive inside the home. He was found with a pistol in or near his right hand. Tactical officers entered and discovered Lindsey, Colton and Sydney in other areas of the residence. Each had suffered apparent gunshot wounds, and all four members of the family were pronounced dead at the scene.
...
MEMBER ACCESS
Continue reading the complete case summary
Unlock the full case narrative, source links, videos, victim information, and member discussions.
Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/monthCancel anytime. Already a member?
Log in
