Ex-CAL FIRE captain sentenced to 2 life terms for killing fiancé, child

A former CAL FIRE captain was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for the murders of his fiancé and her 7-year-old son. The murders took place Aug. 21, 2025, in Cameron Park. Darin McFarlin received the sentence for the crimes on April 13 before a packed courtroom. Loved ones of Marissa Divodi-Lessa Herzog and her son, Josiah Divodi-Lessa, turned out to support her legacy and provide impactful statements to the court. In a social media post, the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office said the courtroom scene was intensely emotional. "Seven powerful and emotional victim impact statements were read, including a letter from the 9-year-old surviving child, offering a small glimpse into her new reality," said the El Dorado County DA. "A beautiful slideshow tribute was played, reminding everyone of the precious lives that were stolen." McFarlin was engaged to and living with Divodi-Lessa and her two children. Officials said the night of the brutal murders, the family sat down together to watch a movie about a well-respected firefighter who was struggling in his personal life. Officials said this movie triggered McFarlin and he became angry over the portrayal of the firefighter and stormed off to his bedroom. Divodi-Lessa followed McFarlin into the bedroom and then an argument took place, according to prosecutors. During the argument, McFarlin began to strangle Divodi-Lessa; she managed to flee the bedroom and said she was going to call police to report domestic violence. This threat apparently sent McFarlin over the edge, knowing the consequences of such a report would have on his career, so prosecutors said he got his loaded firearm and followed Divodi-Lessa into the dining room, where he discovered she was on the phone with a family member. At that point, McFarlin struck Divodi-Lessa over the head with the gun, checked her phone and then shot her in the head. Prosecutors said Divodi-Lessa's son Josiah and her 9-year-old daughter were in the room when the murder occurred. McFarlin then turned to the young boy, fired the gun and killed him. The 9-year-old girl reportedly begged for her life while McFarlin pointed the gun at her; she was able to run around a kitchen wall, preventing him from getting a clear view of her. McFarlin eventually told the girl to leave the home through the dog door. He then placed his phone on airplane mode and fled the scene but was found by law enforcement in Nevada after a brief manhunt. During the hearing, Chief Assistant District Attorney Lisette Suder gave an emotional statement about the heinous crime and said despite McFarlin's position with CAL FIRE, he was far from a hero, emphasizing true heroes are the brave men and women who responded to the crime, worked tirelessly to solve the case and seek justice for the victims. El Dorado County DA Vern Pierson added, "This was a horrific and senseless act of violence that stole two innocent lives and forever changed a family. Today's sentence ensures that the defendant will never again have the opportunity to harm another person. Our hearts remain with the surviving child and all those who loved Marissa and her son." At the end of the hearing, McFarlin was sentenced to two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole; in addition, he received another life term, 50 years to life, and 15 years for the August 2025 murders.