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A 29-year-old Los Angeles County man was hit with multiple murder charges Tuesday in the brutal shooting deaths of his mother-in-law and his four young children — including an infant.
Germarcus Lamar David was charged with five counts of murder and three counts of assault on a child causing death in the grisly Sunday afternoon shooting spree in Lancaster.
“No family should endure this type of tragedy, especially when the alleged perpetrator was responsible for their protection,” LA County District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement Tuesday.
“Our office has reached out to the family to ensure they have all the services and support they need during this difficult time,” he said.
Meanwhile, the coroner’s office Tuesday released the names of the victims, who include David’s four children, identified as Namyiah David, 11; Germarcus David Jr., 7; Kaden David, 2; and 19-month-old Noah David.
The woman killed, the children’s grandmother, was identified as Ericka England, a 51-year-old veteran corrections officer at the Lancaster prison, her union said.
“We are heartbroken to learn about this tragedy and will do everything we can do to support her family,” Glen Stailey, president of the California Correctional Peace officers Association said in a statement. “We are in mourning for our friend and colleague.”
Investigators have not determined a motive for the bloodbath at the family home.
Germarcus David was a licensed security guard and had held a permit to carry a gun, although the permit expired in August 2020 and is listed as canceled.
He is being held on $2 million bail and is due to make his first court appearance later on Tuesday, authorities said.
“To do this to the kids, it’s cowardly,” family friend Waki Jones told the LA Times. “It’s just unbelievable.”
Neighbor Grace Beltran, who lives three houses away, said the children’s horrified mother ran out into the front yard screaming after she discovered the bodies.
“My babies are gone,” Beltran said the woman screamed. “They’re all dead.”
LA County Sheriff’s Lt. Brandon Dean told the Associated Press that he wasn’t aware of prior domestic incidents at the home.
“I don’t understand it,” said neighbor James Martin. “I know things get rough but it’s never worth it to take the life — lives — of anybody.”
With Post wires
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