David Vallerga Jr. Killed His Wife and Two Children in Rancho Cordova Family Murder-Suicide

 

David Vallerga Jr. Murdered His Wife and Two Children Before Killing Himself in Their California Home

On January 27, 2026, 58-year-old David Edward Vallerga Jr. was involved in a family murder-suicide that left his wife and two children dead inside their home in Rancho Cordova, California.

The victims were:

• Lindsey Peralta Vallerga, 49, his wife

• Colton Drake Peralta Vallerga, 13, his son

• Sydney Anne Peralta Vallerga, 11, his daughter

That morning, emergency dispatchers received a call reporting a shooting at the family's home in the Kavala Ranch neighborhood.

Neighbors also contacted authorities after hearing distressing sounds coming from the residence.

When Sacramento County sheriff's deputies arrived, they discovered four bodies inside the house.

Authorities identified the incident as a family murder-suicide.

Vallerga was a military veteran who, alongside his wife, operated tutoring franchises in Elk Grove and El Dorado Hills.

Their children were homeschooled and involved in the family's tutoring activities.

Following the killings, neighbors and community members organized a candlelight vigil to remember Lindsey, Colton, and Sydney.

The available information does not establish a motive or provide a detailed account of the shootings.

Because Vallerga died, there was no criminal trial.

Lindsey was 49. Colton was 13. Sydney was just 11.

They had a family business, a home, and lives that extended far beyond the terrible way they ended.

Colton and Sydney should have been worrying about schoolwork, friendships, and growing up. Lindsey should have been watching them do exactly that.

Instead, three lives ended inside the place where they should have been safest.