As investigators continue to piece together the details of a tragic murder-suicide in Rancho Cordova, the identities of the family involved have begun to emerge. Public records indicate that the home in the 5400 block of Mill Water Circle belonged to David Edward Vallerga Jr., 58, and Lindsey Peralta Vallerga, 49, who lived there with their two children: a 13-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of all four victims, but detectives believe the shooting was a murder-suicide, according to Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Ed Igoe. The coroner is still working to notify relatives and finalize identification.
Neighbors and public records paint a picture of a seemingly normal, close-knit family. David and Lindsey Vallerga purchased their home in 2011, refinanced it several times, and eventually used the property as equity for a revolving line of credit in 2023.
Together, they operated two tutoring franchise locations in the region called Grade Power Learning, providing academic support in math, science, English, and SAT/ACT preparation, including assistance for students with ADHD. Lindsey managed the Elk Grove location’s business development and community outreach, while David served as the center director.
Friends and neighbors recalled a family that was involved in the community and dedicated to their children. Alicia Perry, who lives nearby, remembered David as approachable and friendly. “He seemed really nice,” she said. “He said, ‘Ours will be the house that looks like crap all the time,’ but he just wanted us to know we were neighbors.”
Suzanne Hanrahan, another nearby resident, recalled the children fondly. “The boy was very smart,” she said. “He’d talk about the constellations and the stars. The kids from that court would always run over and pet my dogs. I just think it’s a tragedy.” She described the mother and daughter as kind, often sharing eggs from their chickens with neighbors.
Investigators are still working to understand what led to the shootings. Audio dispatches indicated that a man identifying himself as the shooter called 911, stating he was “setting up booby traps and turning off the cellphone.” Later radio communications suggested the caller was David Vallerga. The sheriff’s office noted that David had several firearms registered in his name, prior military service, and possible military equipment.
The community is reeling from the incident, which has left four people dead, including the two children. Neighbors described a quiet neighborhood where the family had lived for over a decade, and no prior signs of trouble were apparent. Public officials said more details would be released as detectives continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this devastating loss.
This tragedy has left friends, neighbors, and the Sacramento region in shock, as the lives of David Edward Vallerga Jr., Lindsey Peralta Vallerga, and their children were abruptly cut short, leaving a grieving community searching for answers.
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