On March 26, 2002, 14-year-old Stuart Willis of Merced, California, was shot and killed in his home along with his siblings Stanley Willis, 15, Melanie Willis, 17, and Michelle Hogan, 5. The killings were carried out by John Hogan, the children’s stepfather and a retired Santa Clara County sheriff’s deputy; Hogan was found dead at the scene. Christine McFadden, Hogan’s ex-wife, discovered the bodies when she returned from a morning jog. Reports say the children were shot in their beds and were likely asleep when attacked; Hogan was found in the master bedroom holding his daughter Michelle.

The family had divorced in 1998, and McFadden had previously sought a restraining order citing verbal abuse and a volatile temper. Hogan had retired from the sheriff’s department in 1993 for medical reasons. The community held a large funeral at St. Patrick’s Church that honored the children’s school achievements and plans, including Melanie’s aim to attend Stanford and Stanley’s involvement in baseball. If anyone knew Stuart or the family or has information relevant to this case, please share what can help document their memories.