Montebello father kills son, injures daughter and wife in suspected murder-suicide: police

Montebello dad killed son with hatchet, police say

A Montebello father is accused of killing his son and attacking his wife and daughter with a hatchet before killing himself.

MONTEBELLO, Calif. - A Montebello neighborhood was rocked after a family of four was involved in a brutal crime at an apartment complex early Thursday morning.

Officials later said a father allegedly attacked his own kids and their mother before he took his own life. 

What we know:

Officials said around 2:30 a.m., first responders were called to an apartment complex located at 400 W. Lockhart Ave., near the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and S. Bluff Road. 

Upon arrival, they found a man's body in the back of the building after conducting a protective sweep. 

Officers then located a second man, a girl and a woman all suffering from head injuries inside a lower-level unit. The second man, who was later identified as the suspect's adult son, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Images from the scene showed the apartment unit cornered off as investigators combed the area. In addition, video from SkyFOX showed a hatchet at the crime scene, believed to be the weapon used in the attack. 

Video from SkyFOX showed a hatchet, believed to be the weapon used in a deadly attack. 

The mother and daughter who survived the attack were taken to the hospital in critical condition. 

Montebello Police said it appears to be a case of domestic violence that is being investigated as a murder/suicide. Authorities said there are no outstanding suspects and there is no danger to the community. 

What they're saying:

"That's shocking. This is usually a quiet family-oriented neighborhood, said neighbor Franklin Gonzales. "To hear of something so violent and unconventional is really surprising."

"I don't know what would cause a father to turn on his family but it's something really terrible," Gonzales added. 

Meanwhile, other neighbors said they weren't necessarily suprised. "There has been police activity, not just once but multiple times. Just the mom and dad arguing, just a lot of arguing," said neighbor Natalie Perez. 

What we know:

The circumstances leading up to the attack remain under investigation and the names of the victims have not been released. 

If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Are you or someone you know a recent survivor of domestic violence? Help is available. Los Angeles County has a hotline, which can be reached at 1-800-978-3600. A national hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233.