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Ex-Fire Captain Sentenced for Fiancée's Murder
18 Apr
Summary
- Former captain received life without parole for murders.
- Argument over movie portrayal preceded the violence.
- Fiancée and her son were fatally shot.
Darin McFarlin, a 47-year-old former fire captain, received a sentence of two consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole on Monday, April 13, 2026. This judgment stems from the August 21, 2025, murders of his fiancée, Marissa Divodi-Lessa, 29, and her 7-year-old son.
The violent events unfolded after McFarlin became enraged by the depiction of a firefighter in the film "Fireproof." An argument with his fiancée escalated, leading him to strangle her. When she attempted to flee and report the incident, McFarlin pursued her with a firearm.
Tragically, McFarlin shot his fiancée in the head in front of her two children. He then fatally shot her 7-year-old son. The couple's 9-year-old daughter narrowly escaped by evading McFarlin, who eventually instructed her to leave the residence before fleeing the scene himself.
McFarlin was apprehended without incident in Mono County shortly after midnight. He expressed deep remorse in court, particularly towards the surviving daughter. Prosecutors stated the sentence ensures he can never harm anyone again.
