Mother Mourns Loss of 13-year-old While Son Faces Charges for Her Death

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LANCASTER, Ca. – A Lancaster woman is saying that she has lost both her son and daughter, after her 18-year-old son shot her 13-year-old daughter killing her, Tuesday evening.

Marlena Alvirez posted to Facebook distraught with the early Friday morning post saying that her son was made to look like a monster by news reports. She said that he loved his sister, and all of his sisters very much. “It was an accident, he would never never hurt any of sisters he loved them so much and protected them,” said Alvirez. “He’s a good kid, not perfect, no kid is perfect and no, I’m not in denial, but he is no gang member. He will always be my son no matter what and I love him so much I know it was an accident and I forgive him.” She is concerned that her son, Eddie Marcelino Alvirez will have to not only serve time but will also have to live with the fact that he killed his little sister.

At around 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, deputies responded to the home in the 1700 block of West Avenue J for the report that a girl was shot by a BB gun. The girl, Marlena “Cheekies” Alvirez was transported to Antelope Valley Hospital where she was pronounced deceased a short time later. It was learned that Eddie Marcelino Alvirez was in his room that he shared with his two sisters when the shooting occurred. His family describes the shooting as a terrible accident and Eddie only fled from the home because he panicked.

Marlena, the mother of Eddie and Marlena “Cheekies” Alvirez, said that she is having a difficult time coming to terms with not only the death of a child but also, her son being behind bars. “There will be two empty seats at the dinner table for Thanksgiving and Christmas,” she said. “O pray God gives me the strength to get through all this.”

Eddie Marcelino Alvirez was charged with involuntary manslaughter and discharging a firearm with gross negligence. Alvirez will face up to 14 years in prison if convicted as charged. Meanwhile, the family has started a Go Fund Me Account to help with unexpected expenses associated with Marlena “Cheekies” Alvirez’ death.