California Mom and Son Tragically Stabbed in Home Invasion as Horrified Children Witness the Attack
( Image: abc7)
A California family faced an unimaginable tragedy last Thursday, October 24, when a home invasion turned fatal, claiming the lives of 58-year-old Melissa Quinn and her son, 38-year-old Raymond Garza. The incident occurred in Tulare, California, as an intruder attempted to break into their home, leaving the family devastated.
According to Tulare police, the intruder, 30-year-old Fabian Gamez, attempted to enter the residence through the backyard. Surveillance footage allegedly shows Gamez moving toward the back door, noticing the camera, and momentarily turning away before confronting Quinn. Detectives report that Gamez attacked her with a knife, and her son Raymond stepped in to protect his mother, only to be brutally stabbed by Gamez as well.
Quinn’s second son, Michael Garza, heard the commotion from another room. Rushing to his family’s defense, Michael confronted the intruder and, in an act of self-defense, shot him, preventing Gamez from fleeing before authorities arrived. Upon reaching the scene, police found Gamez injured and were able to arrest him immediately.
Despite emergency efforts by medical personnel, both Melissa and Raymond succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene. “Losing them, not just one but both at the same time, is a huge hit to the family. They were our protectors, and if anything happened, they were the first to defend their family members,” Michael Garza told ABC7 News.
At the time of the incident, more than six family members were inside the home, including Melissa’s elderly father, for whom she provided care, and Raymond’s three children, aged 7, 9, and 19. The youngest children had already suffered the loss of their mother in 2019 and now find themselves grieving the loss of their father as well. “They are scared,” said Michael. “What my nephew had to see — his dad dying on the floor after being viciously stabbed by the intruder — is unimaginable.”
Detectives suspect Gamez had been canvassing the area the day before, likely searching for homes to burglarize. “Detectives now believe that he may have been burglarizing in the area,” said Sgt. Rosa Moreno from the Tulare Police Department. Gamez was treated for his gunshot wound at a local hospital before being transferred to the Tulare County South Detention Center. He now faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of residential burglary with special circumstances. Gamez has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is set to return to court next month.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover funeral expenses and support the surviving family members, especially Raymond’s youngest children, who are now left without both parents. Reflecting on the profound loss, Michael shared, “They were the limelight of any event they’d show up to. Their personalities were always glowing.”
Melissa leaves behind two surviving children and six grandchildren, all of whom are now navigating life in the wake of this unthinkable loss. The Tulare community mourns alongside them, rallying to provide support during this incredibly challenging time.
