Sacramento, CA —
“Just after 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Rancho Cordova Police officers responded to a report of possible gunshots in the 5400 block of Mill Water Circle.
A neighbor reported hearing what sounded like gunshots and screaming. Less than five minutes later, a male caller, later identified as 58-year-old David Vallerga, contacted the 9-1-1 Communications Center, provided his address, and stated he was “the shooter” and had installed “booby traps” inside the residence.
Officers established a perimeter and began evacuating nearby residents after hearing what they believed to be a single gunshot. It was confirmed Vallerga had prior military experience and possessed numerous firearms. The Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail (SED / SWAT) deployed two BearCats (armored vehicles) and attempted to call out any occupants. A search warrant was approved.
After receiving no response, SED deployed the Rook (a smaller armored vehicle), breached a side fence, and entered through a sliding glass door. A Sheriff’s SCOUT UAS (drone) was flown into the residence and located Vallerga unresponsive, holding a pistol in his right hand. SED immediately entered and located a 49-year-old female and two minor children: a 13-year-old male and an 11-year-old female. All four were deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
Due to the potential threat of booby traps, the Sheriff’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team cleared the residence; none were found. Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators responded, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses. Based on the evidence, detectives believe this was a murder-suicide committed by Vallerga.
A second pistol was found beneath his body. Multiple shell casings from two different calibers were recovered and matched the firearms. Approximately 14 additional firearms were seized. Detectives are still working to determine a motive. Victim identities will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office per protocol.”
