Father, Mother, and Two Children Identified in Rancho Cordova Murder-Suicide: Sacramento Community Mourns the Vallerga After Tragic Rancho Cordova Shooting

Rancho Cordova, CA — The Sacramento-area community is grieving the devastating loss of David Vallerga, his wife Lindsey G. Peralta Vallerga, and their two children, 11-year-old Sydney Peralta Vallerga and 13-year-old Colton Drake Peralta Vallerga, who were found dead inside their Rancho Cordova home on Tuesday in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of gunfire around 8:30 a.m. at a residence on Copper Sunset Way. A caller initially reported hearing shots, followed shortly by a second call from a man who claimed responsibility for firing a gun and alleged that booby traps had been placed inside the home. Deputies, including explosive ordnance disposal units, secured the area and conducted a cautious search. No evidence of booby traps was found.

After investigators cleared the scene, deputies discovered four people — a man, a woman, a boy, and a girl — all deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Authorities later identified the victims as members of the same family. While the investigation remains ongoing, officials have said they are not searching for any additional suspects.

Law enforcement activity began to wind down early Tuesday afternoon as officers dispersed from the neighborhood. Officials noted it remains unclear whether the man found deceased was the same individual who made the second phone call, and investigators have not released further details pending completion of the investigation.

The loss has sent shockwaves through the Sacramento community, where friends and neighbors remember the Vallerga family as warm, cheerful, and deeply involved in the lives of those around them.

Lindsey Vallerga was especially well known for her professional work, serving as a driving force behind development and community outreach at GradePower Learning in Elk Grove. Colleagues described her as passionate about education and committed to supporting families and children.

As news of the tragedy spread, tributes poured in remembering Sydney and Colton as bright, kind-hearted children, and their parents as devoted and loving.

Authorities have stated this remains a developing investigation, and additional information is expected to be released as the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office completes its work.

The community continues to mourn a family whose lives were tragically cut short, holding onto memories of their kindness, energy, and the joy they brought to those who knew them.