Marine Basmajian and the 2026 North Hills Family Murders
Discovery of the Basmajian Family
On the evening of May 27, 2026, an apparent murder-suicide claimed the lives of an entire young family in the North Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Authorities identified the suspected perpetrator as 30-year-old Marine Basmajian. Investigators believe she fatally shot her husband, 31-year-old Khajag Basmajian, and their two children, 2-year-old Alec Basmajian and 6-day-old Ella Basmajian, before taking her own life.
Los Angeles Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence in the 16200 block of Londelius Street at approximately 7:50 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. When officers entered the home, they discovered two adults and two children suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. All four family members were pronounced dead at the residence.
The deaths brought a large emergency response to the otherwise quiet residential neighborhood. Police officers, firefighters and crisis-response personnel gathered outside the home as investigators secured the property and began documenting the scene. Neighbors watched in disbelief as it became clear that no one inside had survived.
The Victims
- Khajag Basmajian, 31: Marine Basmajian’s husband was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head on May 27, 2026, inside the family residence on Londelius Street in North Hills, Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner classified his death as a homicide. Khajag was described by relatives as a devoted husband, loving father and dependable friend. He reportedly worked as a software engineer and was remembered for his cheerful personality, kindness and positive outlook on life.
- Alec Basmajian, 2: The couple’s young son was fatally shot inside the North Hills home on May 27, 2026. His death was ruled a homicide. Family members remembered Alec as a happy child who brought laughter to those around him. He reportedly loved toy vehicles, enjoyed eating ice cream and had been excited to meet his newborn sister.
- Ella Basmajian, 6 days old: Ella was born only six days before she was killed. She died from a gunshot wound to the head at the family residence on May 27, 2026, and her death was classified as a homicide. Her extraordinarily brief life made the circumstances of the crime particularly devastating to relatives and members of the community.
Medical Examiner Findings
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that Khajag, Alec and Ella each died from a gunshot wound to the head. Their deaths were formally classified as homicides. Marine Basmajian was also found with a fatal gunshot wound to the head, but her injury was determined to have been self-inflicted. Her manner of death was classified as suicide.
These findings supported the preliminary conclusion that Marine shot her husband and children before turning the firearm on herself. Authorities recovered a gun from inside the residence. Police did not announce that they were searching for another suspect, and investigators described the deaths as an apparent murder-suicide.
A Family That Had Just Welcomed a New Child
The killings occurred during what should have been a joyful period for the family. Marine had given birth to Ella less than one week earlier, and the family had only recently welcomed the newborn home. Alec had reportedly been excited about becoming an older brother, while relatives described Khajag as a proud and loving father.
According to accounts from people who knew them, the family had appeared close and affectionate. Marine was described as an organized stay-at-home mother who enjoyed spending time with relatives and attending family gatherings. Khajag was remembered as a hardworking professional who cared deeply for his children and maintained close relationships with friends and extended family.
Relatives reportedly gathered with the family shortly before the deaths to celebrate Ella’s arrival. Nothing publicly disclosed from that gathering clearly indicated that a violent crisis was about to occur. The contrast between the celebration of a new life and the deaths of all four family members shortly afterward intensified the grief surrounding the case.
Police Investigation and Unknown Motive
Investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding the shootings after the bodies were discovered. Authorities had not publicly established a confirmed motive. Police also had not reported a known history of domestic violence, substance abuse or serious disturbances involving the household before the killings.
No evidence released publicly indicated that an intruder entered the residence or that another person participated in the deaths. The available medical evidence and the condition of the scene led authorities to identify Marine as the suspected shooter. Because she died at the scene, there could be no arrest, criminal prosecution or trial.
Some neighbors and commentators raised questions about whether Marine could have been experiencing a severe mental-health crisis following childbirth. However, authorities did not publicly confirm postpartum depression, postpartum psychosis or any other medical diagnosis as the cause of the killings. Without verified medical evidence or a statement explaining her actions, such suggestions remain speculation rather than an established motive.
Reaction in the North Hills Community
Residents described the Basmajian family as quiet and reserved. Several neighbors said they had never observed serious arguments or behavior that suggested violence was imminent. The discovery that a mother, father, toddler and newborn had all died inside the home stunned the surrounding community.
Neighbors recalled seeing police vehicles, emergency personnel and helicopters around the residence. Some did not initially understand the seriousness of the situation until relatives and authorities confirmed that all four members of the family were dead. Crisis-support workers were sent to the scene to assist people affected by the traumatic discovery.
The deaths also prompted public discussion about recognizing signs of emotional distress in new parents and making mental-health assistance readily available. Although the precise reason for Marine’s actions remained unknown, the case demonstrated how a concealed crisis can end in irreversible violence before relatives or neighbors understand that someone may need immediate help.
Remembering Khajag, Alec and Ella
Relatives created an online fundraising campaign to help pay for the funerals and other expenses associated with burying four members of one family. Their statement emphasized that Khajag, Alec and Ella should be remembered as individuals rather than only as victims of a murder-suicide.
Khajag was remembered as a cherished son, brother, husband, father and friend whose smile and generosity left a strong impression on others. Alec was described as cheerful, curious and full of energy. Ella had been alive for less than a week, but her arrival had already become an important and celebrated moment for the family.
The deaths left surviving relatives with the painful responsibility of arranging services for two adults, a toddler and a newborn at the same time. The family’s supporters expressed grief not only for the lives that were taken but also for the memories and future experiences that Alec and Ella would never have the opportunity to know.
Conclusion
The North Hills killings of May 27, 2026, ended four lives inside a family home only days after the birth of a child. Based on the medical examiner’s findings and the police investigation, Marine Basmajian is believed to have murdered her husband, Khajag, and their children, Alec and Ella, before dying by suicide.
The physical sequence of events was established through the scene and autopsy findings, but the reason behind the violence remained unresolved. No confirmed note, diagnosis or explanation was publicly released that fully accounted for Marine’s actions. With the suspected perpetrator also dead, investigators and surviving relatives were left without the answers that a criminal interview or trial might have provided.
The case remains a devastating example of family annihilation, with three homicide victims and the suspected killer all dying within the same residence. Khajag Basmajian, Alec Basmajian and Ella Basmajian were mourned as a devoted father, a joyful young boy and a newborn child whose life had only just begun.
