A former fire captain in California has been sentenced to two consecutive life terms without parole for killing his fiancée and her young son during a dispute over a movie. El Dorado County Superior Court Judge Mark A. Ralphs imposed the sentence on Darin McFarlin on Monday following his guilty plea earlier this year. The killings occurred in August 2025 amid an argument that escalated into violence.
Darin McFarlin, 47, a former Cal Fire captain, shot and killed 29-year-old Marissa Divodi-Lessa and her 7-year-old son, Josiah Divodi-Lessa, on August 21, 2025, inside their home in El Dorado County. The incident began when the family watched the movie 'Fireproof,' a faith-based drama portraying a firefighter negatively in the first half. McFarlin grew angry over the depiction and argued with Divodi-Lessa, whom he strangled before she broke free and tried to call authorities, according to the El Dorado County District Attorney's Office announcement. Prosecutors stated he then retrieved a firearm, struck her, shot her in the head, and killed the boy while the 9-year-old daughter was present; she escaped through a dog door after begging for her life. McFarlin fled, placing his phone in airplane mode, and was arrested in Nevada hours later. Deputies found the victims with gunshot wounds that evening; Divodi-Lessa died at the scene, and Josiah later at a hospital. In March, McFarlin pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, and child abuse. Judge Ralphs sentenced him Monday to two consecutive life sentences without parole, plus additional terms including 50 years to life and 15 years, before a packed courtroom with victim impact statements and a tribute slideshow. Chief Assistant District Attorney Lisette Suder told the court McFarlin was no hero, crediting first responders and investigators. District Attorney Vern Pierson described the act as a 'horrific and senseless act of violence.' Prosecutors emphasized the sentence protects others and acknowledges the lasting harm to the surviving child and family.