Community stunned, heartbroken over double murder of mother, young son in Cameron Park

In a case that has shocked and devastated many in the El Dorado County community and beyond, a family is heartbroken over the murder of a woman and her young son. Charged with the homicides is CAL FIRE Captain Darin McFarlin, the apparent live-in boyfriend of the victim, Marissa (Herzog) Divodi-Lessa. Details of the criminal complaint filed against McFarlin were presented in El Dorado County Superior Court this week, revealing a horrific series of events that allegedly led to the shooting death of Herzog and her young son, Josiah Divodi-Lessa. McFarlin was charged with five felony counts in connection with the murders. He pled not guilty to the crimes during his first court appearance Monday, Aug. 25. As The Folsom Telegraph reported last week, the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a shooting in a home on the 3000 block of Oakwood Road in Cameron Park on Thursday evening, Aug. 21. Upon arrival, deputies encountered Herzog and Josiah inside the home with gunshot wounds. Herzog was pronounced dead on the scene. Josiah was immediately tended to and transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries, according to Sheriff's officials. A second child was found safe in the home. During their initial investigation, it was determined McFarlin, 47, of Cameron Park was a "person of interest." Shortly after midnight, investigators found McFarlin; he was detained in Mono County without incident and booked into the El Dorado County Jail. According to the criminal complaint filed by the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office, the murder charges against McFarlin include special circumstances for multiple murders and attempted murder of the second child in the home, along with felony child abuse of that child. In the complaint, the DA alleges McFarlin injured his girlfriend in a bedroom after she was a witness to a crime; she fled the room, used her cellphone, and McFarlin emerged with a gun and allegedly shot her. Loved ones of Herzog and her children are reeling from the horrific loss; a family friend has established a GoFundMe page, stating the family has been informed they will be responsible for anticipated legal fees associated with the case. The page is also asking the community to help support the family during this time of crisis. A statement from the family reads: "Marissa was such a light and full of love and life. She loved her babies. She loved people. She loved God. She was a hard worker with an indomitable spirit and strong convictions." Marissa's surviving daughter and sister of Josiah also posted this comment about the unimaginable loss: "She always made me laugh. She would always tuck in at night and we would always tell each other, 'I love you. I love you more. I love you most.' We loved playing card games, watching movies and hanging out. My brother, Jojo, would always play games with me, especially Hide-and-Seek. That day, we made a box with cute necklaces. The box had a lock on it. It was filled with toys in it (as rewards) for whenever he was good. He was such a sweet boy. Jojo had some health issues and Mommy was so good about being sure he had the right foods and proper care. She was the best Mommy everrrrr!" Any funds raised in excess of interment costs and legal fees will be used for the care of Marissa's surviving daughter, Serafina, according to the GoFundMe organizers. To make a donation, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-marissa-and-josiah-divodilessa The El Dorado County District Attorney's Office said the next court hearings for McFarlin will be a status update on Sept. 29 and a preliminary hearing on Oct. 16.