LANCASTER, CA – A horrifying incident in Lancaster, California, has left two young children dead, allegedly at the hands of their own father, Prospero Serna, 38. The Los Angeles County prosecutors have described the incident as “an astonishing act of brutality.”
The tragic event unfolded late Saturday at the family’s home when Serna allegedly went on a violent rampage, attacking all four of his children. The victims have been identified as Ziasia Serna, 7, and Najila, 3, both of whom lost their lives in the assault. The other two children were discovered hiding within the house.
Lt. Daniel Vizcarra of the LA County Sheriff’s Department stated that although the exact location of the attack is unknown, all the children were found in a single bedroom. He further expressed the profound difficulty of the situation, acknowledging the trauma experienced by everyone involved, from responding deputies to investigators.
The incident came to the attention of law enforcement when the children’s frantic mother dialed 911 during the horrifying assault. Serna was arrested a few blocks away following a violent altercation with sheriff’s deputies. Los Angeles County District Attorney Gascón released a statement in response to the tragedy, calling it “a profoundly heart-wrenching tragedy that has shaken our community to its core.” He expressed condolences for the innocent lives lost and emphasized the urgent need to protect the most vulnerable among us.
Serna is now facing charges of murder, assault on a child under 8 years of age, attempted murder, and child abuse. Following his arraignment, he is being detained without bail, pending his return to court.