A Lancaster, California, father has been arrested and charged with the killing of his two young daughters in what the Los Angeles County District Attorney described as “an astonishing act of brutality.”
Prospero Guadalupe Serna, 38, is accused of murdering seven-year-old Ziasia Serna and three-year-old Najila Serna late Saturday night, October 29, 2023.
The brutal attack also left two of his other children with lacerations but not seriously injured.
Authorities responded to a 911 call from the children’s mother, who reported that her children were being attacked. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the two girls had been beaten and stabbed.
Serna fled the home but was apprehended by sheriff’s deputies after he engaged in a violent altercation with law enforcement officers.
Serna faces a slew of charges, including two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of assault on a child under eight years of age causing death, and one count of child abuse. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has pledged to pursue justice vigorously for the young victims.
The surviving children are currently under protective custody, and arrangements are being made for their well-being. A motive for the abhorrent attack has yet to be revealed.