The quiet community of Porter Ranch, California, was shaken Monday evening after a man discovered his parents dead inside their home on Como Lane. Around 9:20 p.m., the adult son ran screaming to a neighbor’s door after walking in and finding Melina Avanosian, 55, and Zaven Shahverdi, 58, both fatally shot. Paramedics arrived quickly but could do nothing; each parent had suffered a single gunshot wound to the head.

Police confirmed a handgun was found inside the residence and stated no one else was involved, indicating an apparent domestic murder-suicide. Authorities have not disclosed who fired first or what circumstances led to the deadly incident. The investigation remains ongoing, as detectives work to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.

Neighbors described the couple as quiet and private, with no outward signs of conflict. “They kept to themselves, always polite and kind,” one resident said. The sudden violence of the night is particularly shocking given the couple’s reputation as loving, devoted parents.

For the son who discovered his parents’ bodies, the experience is nothing short of devastating. Friends and family of the family are grappling with how such a tragedy could unfold in a household that appeared peaceful. Mental health experts emphasize the importance of support for anyone directly affected by domestic violence and sudden family loss, as the emotional impact can be lifelong.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the family’s final hours to come forward to aid the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, the Porter Ranch community mourns the loss of two lives and offers condolences to a son now forced to confront a trauma no child should ever face.