73-year-old man arrested in triple killing tied to family dispute over money
Three family members were shot to death and one severely injured in an apartment in Fontana. Police believe another family member is to blame.
A 73-year-old man was arrested early Wednesday after allegedly killing three family members and wounding a fourth during a dispute over money at an apartment complex in Fontana, police said.
Ali Zafar was taken into custody on suspicion of murder in the 14500 block of Village Drive, according to Fontana police Sgt. Kevin Goltara.
Authorities said the deadly shooting stemmed from a “longstanding financial family issue†that Zafar had with relatives, police said.
The victims, who weren’t identified, were found about 2:54 a.m. after police received a report of a shooting at the Village Drive Apartments, Goltara said.
When officers arrived, they saw Zafar walking in the apartment complex with a handgun, he said. Zafar dropped the weapon following officers’ commands and was immediately taken into custody, Goltara said.
In an apartment, officers found two women and a man dead from gunshot wounds. They were shot in the upper torso, he said.
At least one of the victims was found in bed, police said.
A fourth gunshot victim, a male, was also inside the apartment. He was taken to hospital and was in critical condition, Goltara said.
Police later discovered another woman hiding in the apartment, he said. She had taken cover after hearing gunfire and was unharmed.
“It’s probably what saved her life,†Goltara said.
Neighbor Eddie Frias said a husband, wife and their two children lived in the apartment for about a year. The family, he said, was quiet and mostly “kept to themselves.â€
“They never bothered anybody,†Frias said.
Zafar was an uncle and had been living with the family for at least two weeks, he said.
For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
MORE LOCAL NEWS
LAPD investigate anti-gay vandalism as hate crime at Van Nuys home
1 body, dead dog and car possibly linked to missing L.A. couple found off cliff on Highway 1
Tijuana councilman’s bail is set at $300,000 in money-laundering case
UPDATES:
13:30 p.m.: This article was updated with the suspect’s identity, a possible motive for the killings and comment from a neighbor.
This article was originally published at 7:30 a.m.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
