Authorities are investigating two tragic cases of fatal violence in California, both of which occurred shortly before Christmas. A married couple and a mother and son were found dead in separate incidents, leaving their communities shaken.
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 from the Altadena station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department found their bodies during a welfare check.
Family members and friends described the Harmons as a devoted couple who had been married for more than 30 years. Wendell worked for Pasadena’s Parks and Recreation Department, while Beverly owned a home health aide business New York Post reported.
“I can’t sleep. It’s traumatic,” said Monica Harmon, Beverly’s sister, at a candlelight vigil held in the couple’s honor. “Just knowing that somebody is out there and they would do something like this to them is unsettling.” She added, “I know I can never bring them back, but right now I can’t even function. I don’t know what my life is going to be like without them.”
Authorities have yet to determine a motive or identify any suspects in the case.
Stockton Mother and Son Beaten to Death
Just days before Christmas, 43-year-old Alicia Montejano 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 individuals. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police named 38-year-old Julio Ceasar Valdez, Montejano’s boyfriend, as the prime suspect. He remains at large and is believed to be driving a gray four-door sedan. Family members suspect the killings stemmed from a domestic dispute.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support Montejano’s surviving children and cover funeral expenses. “It’s with the heaviest heart that we announce that on December 23, 2024, the lives of a Mother and Son were both senselessly taken from us too soon,” the page reads, told KCRA.
“No family should ever have to experience something as horrific as this, especially not alone. Your support means everything to our family at this time, whether it be through a donation or sharing this around.”
Both cases highlight the devastating impact of violence, leaving families and communities mourning during what should be a time of joy and togetherness.