Authorities in Sacramento County have launched a homicide investigation following the shocking death of a 10-year-old boy in Antelope. The tragedy unfolded on Thursday, October 5, 2023, after the boy was found unresponsive in a home on the 3800 block of Sunset Avenue. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
The child’s father, 29-year-old David A. Lira, has been arrested and is now facing serious charges related to the incident. Lira is accused of beheading his son, with police officers stating that this heinous crime occurred during a domestic dispute. Homicide detectives noted that Lira has a prior criminal history, including arrests for domestic violence and child endangerment in 2020.
Officials have withheld the boy’s name pending family notification and are providing support to the family during this traumatic time. Sarah McGuinness, a neighbor, expressed her shock, stating, “It’s unbelievable, I would never have thought something like this could happen here. We always thought it was a safe neighborhood.”
The department has urged anyone with additional information regarding this case or Lira’s past behavior to contact them. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the implications of such a narrative, underlining an urgent need for awareness regarding family violence issues.
As the case evolves, officials are focusing on ensuring the welfare of children in the area and the importance of reporting suspected child abuse to authorities. The public’s awareness and vigilance can be crucial in preventing such tragic events in the future.
