Authorities are investigating two tragic cases of fatal violence in California, both occurring shortly before Christmas. A married couple, a mother and their son were found dead in separate incidents, shaking their communities.
Altadena couple found shot to death
Beverly Green Harmon, 58, and Wendell Harmon, 62, were discovered dead in their Altadena home on Dec. 20, both victims of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Los Angeles County coroner. Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Altadena station found their bodies during a welfare check.
Family and friends described the Harmons as a devoted couple who had been married for more than 30 years. Wendell worked for the Pasadena Parks and Recreation Department, while Beverly owned a home health care business. New York Post reported.
“I can’t sleep. It’s traumatic,” Monica Harmon, Beverly’s sister, said at a candlelight vigil held in the couple’s honor. “Just knowing that there’s someone out there who would do something like this to you is disturbing.” He added: “I know I will never be able to get them back, but right now I can’t even function. “I don’t know what my life will be like without them.”
Authorities have yet to determine a motive or identify suspects in the case.
Stockton mother and son beaten to death
Just days before Christmas, Alicia Montejano, 43, and her 19-year-old son, Reuel Huerta, were found beaten to death in their Stockton home. Officers discovered their bodies on Dec. 23 after responding to calls about unresponsive people. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police named Julio Cesar Valdez, 38, Montejano’s boyfriend, as the main suspect. He remains at large and is believed to be driving a gray four-door sedan. Relatives suspect the murders were due to a domestic dispute.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Montejano’s surviving children and cover funeral expenses. “It is with great sadness that we announce that on December 23, 2024, the lives of a Mother and Son were taken from us senselessly and too soon,” the page reads. KCRA.
“No family should have to experience something as horrible as this, especially if they are alone. Your support means the world to our family right now, whether through a donation or sharing this.”
Both cases highlight the devastating impact of violence, leaving families and communities in mourning during what should be a time of joy and togetherness.