Lancaster shooting: Father charged in deadly shooting of 4 children, grandmother

A woman made a grisly discovery when she found her four children, all under the age of 12, and her mother had been shot to death inside their Lancaster home, officials said. 

The father of the children, 29-year-old Germarcus David, was arrested in the investigation Monday.

On Tuesday afternoon during a court appearance, David was charged with five counts of murder and three counts of assault on a child causing death, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Tuesday.

"No family should endure this type of tragedy, especially when the alleged perpetrator was responsible for their protection," Gascón said. "Our office has reached out to the family to ensure they have all the services and support they need during this difficult time."

The victims were identified by authorities as:

  • Erika England, 51
  • Namyiah David, 11
  • Germarcus David Jr., 7
  • Kayden David, 2
  • Noah David, 1

RELATED: Neighbors react to horrific Lancaster shooting that killed 4 children, grandmother

Gruesome discovery

The deadly shootings occurred at a home located in the 3500 block of Garnet Lane, near the intersection of Avenue J and 30th Street E, around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, Los Angeles Sheriff's Department officials said. 

Homicide investigators said deputies responded to the home after receiving a "Rescue Responding" call. When they arrived, they found a woman suffering from gunshot wounds to her upper torso. A short time later, they also discovered a girl and three boys suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso.

All five victims were pronounced dead at the scene by authorities.

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Sheriff’s officials said the suspect was detained after he arrived at the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station to turn himself in. After being interviewed by homicide detectives for hours, David was arrested. 

His bail was set at $2,000,000. 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips online or can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. 

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