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Cal Fire Captain Pleads Not Guilty in Double Killing as Prosecutors Cite Witness-Silencing Motive

He remains jailed without bond pending further court proceedings.

Overview

  • Darin McFarlin, 47, is charged with two counts of murder plus attempted murder, child abuse and domestic violence.
  • The Aug. 21 shootings at a Cameron Park home killed Marissa Divodi-Lessa, 29, and her son Josiah, and a second child was found unharmed.
  • A criminal complaint alleges he inflicted corporal injury in a bedroom, then shot Divodi-Lessa in the dining room after she tried to use her phone.
  • Prosecutors say the mother and son were targeted to prevent their testimony about another crime, and they allege he also tried to kill the surviving child.
  • McFarlin has been placed on unpaid administrative leave by Cal Fire, pleaded not guilty in court, and is next due back on Sept. 29.