California fire captain charged with murder of girlfriend and her son
EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. -- A fire captain in California is facing several felony charges in connection to the deaths of his girlfriend and her young son.
Darin McFarlin, 47, pled not guilty to five felony counts ranging from first degree murder to child abuse.
The fire captain is charged with the murder of 29-year-old Marissa Divodi-Lessa, his girlfriend, and also her son Josiah, who was in second grade.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office said Marissa was found shot to death at the scene, while Josiah died at the hospital. Another child was found safe in the home.
McFarlin was arrested hours after the shooting in Mono County, near the Nevada border.
A complaint states that McFarlin is accused of attempted murder for another minor in that house that is only listed as "J Doe" in court documents.
McFarlin is facing two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances.
The complaint alleges the mother and son were witnesses to another crime and killed for that reason.
Court documents don't say what that crime was exactly, but it does give some insight into what investigators believe led up to their deaths.
McFarlin, was also charged with domestic violence.
He allegedly inflicted corporal injury on Marissa in their bedroom before she left the room and used her cell phone.
Court documents say that's when the accused grabbed a gun and went to the dining room to kill her.
McFarlin is also charged with attempted murder and child abuse for the second child that was in that home.
He could face the death penalty or life in prison if convicted.
Cal Fire Director Joe Tyler released this statement:
"On August 22, 2025, I was made aware that Darin McFarlin, a Fire Captain with CAL FIRE, had been arrested while off duty in connection with the tragic deaths of two individuals in El Dorado County. My deepest sympathies are with the family, loved ones and community of the victims during this extremely difficult time. I too am heartbroken and shocked by this tragic event. This incident continues to have a profound impact on our personnel in the Amador - El Dorado Unit and beyond."
"These actions do not reflect the values, mission, or dedication of CAL FIRE as a department, which exists to protect and serve our community."
"Darin McFarlin has been placed on unpaid administrative leave, and we are monitoring the situation closely. CAL FIRE will continue to cooperate fully with the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office regarding the ongoing investigation."
The-CNN-Wire & 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.
