A California family faced an unimaginable tragedy last Thursday, October 24, when a home invasion turned fatal and claimed the lives of 58-year-old Melissa Quinn and her 38-year-old son, Raymond Garza. The incident occurred in Tulare, California, when an intruder tried to break into their home, leaving the family devastated.
According to Tulare police, the intruder, Fabián Gámez, 30, attempted to enter the residence through the backyard. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Gamez moving toward the back door, noticing the camera and walking away momentarily before confronting Quinn. Detectives report that Gamez attacked her with a knife and her son Raymond intervened to protect his mother, only to be brutally stabbed by Gamez as well.
Quinn’s second son, Michael Garza, heard the commotion from another room. Rushing to his family’s defense, Michael confronted the intruder and, in an act of self-defense, shot him, preventing Gamez from fleeing before authorities arrived. Upon arriving at the scene, police found Gámez injured and were able to arrest him immediately.
Despite emergency efforts by medical personnel, both Melissa and Raymond succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. “Losing them, not just one but both at the same time, is a big blow to the family. They were our protectors and, if something happened, they were the first to defend their families.” Michael Garza told ABC7 News.
At the time of the incident, more than six family members were inside the home, including Melissa’s elderly father, whom she was caring for, and Raymond’s three children, ages 7, 9, and 19. The younger children had already suffered the loss of their mother in 2019 and are now also grieving the loss of their father. “They’re scared,” Michael said. “What my nephew had to see (his father dying on the floor after being brutally stabbed by the intruder) is unimaginable.”
Detectives suspect that Gamez had been canvassing the area the day before, probably looking for houses to rob. “Detectives now believe he may have been shoplifting in the area,” said Sgt. Rosa Moreno of the Tulare Police Department. Gamez was treated for his gunshot wound at a local hospital before being transported to the Tulare County South Detention Center. He now faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of residential burglary under special circumstances. Gamez has pleaded not guilty to all charges and will return to court next month.
TO GoFundMe page has been established to help cover funeral expenses and support surviving family members, especially Raymond’s youngest children, who are now left without both parents. Reflecting on the profound loss, Michael shared, “They were the center of attention at any event they attended. Their personalities were always brilliant.”
Melissa leaves behind two surviving children and six grandchildren, all of whom are now living life in the wake of this unthinkable loss. The Tulare community grieves with them and comes together to support them during this incredibly difficult time.