Parents and two young children dead in North Hills apparent murder-suicide case

The deaths of a couple and their two young children, whose bodies were discovered at their Los Angeles home last week, have been confirmed as an apparent murder-suicide by the city's police department.

"It is considered a murder-suicide," Los Angeles Police Department officer Rosario Cervantes told PEOPLE.

Cervantes said officers were called to the property on Londelius Street in North Hills on 27 May at 7:50 p.m., where they found four bodies — two adults and two children.

Victims identified by the medical examiner

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed to PEOPLE that the deceased were Marine Basmajian, 30, her husband Khajag Basmajian, 31, and their two children — two-year-old Alec Basmajian and six-day-old Ella Basmajian.

The Medical Examiner determined that Marine died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, while Khajag's death — also from a gunshot wound to the head — was ruled a homicide. Both children likewise died from gunshot wounds to the head, the medical examiner confirmed.

Family remembered with deep affection

A GoFundMe page established to assist with funeral costs described Khajag, who worked as a software engineer according to ABC7, as "a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, brother, and friend."

"To know him is to love him. With a beaming smile on his face and a positive outlook on life, he was truly a friend you could count on."

Little Alec was remembered warmly by those who set up the page.

"With his bright smile and cheerful eyes taking after his father, he loved his toy vehicles and getting a taste for life one bite at a time (ice cream was his favorite).

"Alec couldn't wait to meet his baby sister Ella who only lived to see the world Earth side for 6 days."

The fundraiser also captured the broader grief felt by all who knew the family.

"In a single moment, we lost an entire young family who were deeply loved by everyone who knew them."

Crisis support teams attended the scene

Along with police and fire service personnel, members of the mayor's all-volunteer Crisis Response Team were also present at the scene, ABC7 reported.

The team offers emotional support, trauma-informed care and access to resources for those affected by traumatic incidents.