Fowler Community in Mourning After Tragic Murder-Suicide Claims Lives of Mother and Son

Fowler Community in Mourning After Tragic Murder-Suicide Claims Lives of Mother and Son

Fowler, CA – October 16, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that the quiet community of Fowler mourns the tragic and unexpected loss of 78-year-old Cheryl Hanoian and her son, 60-year-old James McFarland, whose lives were cut short in a devastating incident that authorities have determined to be a murder-suicide.

The shocking discovery was made late Tuesday afternoon when concerned neighbors, who hadn’t seen the mother and son in several days, contacted police for a welfare check. Officers from the Fowler Police Department responded to the home located on a peaceful, tree-lined street just blocks from downtown. Upon entering the residence, authorities found both individuals deceased.

According to a preliminary report from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, evidence at the scene strongly indicates that James McFarland fatally shot his mother before turning the weapon on himself. A firearm was recovered at the scene. Investigators say there were no signs of forced entry, and no other individuals are believed to have been involved.

While the motive remains under investigation, officials have confirmed that there were no prior police reports or known history of violence at the residence. Autopsies are currently pending to confirm the exact time and cause of death.

A Town in Shock

News of the tragic deaths has sent shockwaves through the small, tight-knit town of Fowler, where both Cheryl and James were lifelong residents and well known among neighbors and community members.

“This has rocked us to the core,” said Mayor Daniel Parra during a brief statement Wednesday morning. “Fowler is a close community where people know and look out for each other. To lose two lives this way, especially people many of us knew personally, is absolutely heartbreaking.”

Neighbors described Cheryl Hanoian as a kind, soft-spoken woman who had lived in the home for decades. A widow, she had once worked as a teacher’s aide at a local elementary school and was deeply involved in her church and senior center activities. Friends say she was devoted to her family and enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, and baking for her grandkids.

“Cheryl was the sweetest soul,” said neighbor Margaret Salazar, who has lived next door for over 20 years. “She never had a bad word to say about anyone. Always smiling, always asking how your family was. This doesn’t feel real.”

James McFarland, who had moved back in with his mother several years ago after a job loss and subsequent health issues, was known by some as quiet and reserved. According to those close to the family, he had struggled with mental health challenges over the years, particularly after the death of his father and a prolonged battle with unemployment.

“There were signs he was carrying a lot of weight,” said a family friend who asked to remain anonymous. “But no one imagined it would come to something like this. It’s just devastating.”

A Broader Conversation on Mental Health

While the investigation continues, the incident has already reignited difficult but necessary conversations around mental health, elder care, and the silent struggles that many individuals face behind closed doors.

“Our hearts are broken for this family, but we must also use this moment to address the growing mental health crisis affecting our communities—especially among older adults and caregivers,” said Dr. Lillian Carver, a clinical psychologist based in nearby Fresno. “Often, people in emotional pain do not reach out because of stigma or isolation. We need to do more as a society to reach them before tragedy strikes.”

Local officials have echoed these concerns. The Fowler Police Department and Fresno County Behavioral Health have announced that grief counselors and mental health resources will be made available to residents in the wake of this tragedy.

“This is not just a law enforcement issue,” said Fowler Police Chief Greg Hayes. “It’s a human issue. And we’re committed to making sure people know they’re not alone.”

A Legacy of Love and Loss

As family members prepare for the difficult days ahead, friends and neighbors are remembering Cheryl and James for the lives they lived rather than the tragic manner in which they died.

“She loved her son, no question about it,” said Janet Ruiz, who volunteered with Cheryl at church luncheons. “And I truly believe he loved her too. Something just broke inside of him. That doesn’t excuse what happened, but it makes the grief more complex.”

Funeral arrangements are currently being made by the Fowler Funeral Home, and the family has requested privacy as they process their loss. A joint memorial service is tentatively planned for next week.

The family has also asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or the Fresno County Senior Resource Center—two causes that reflect the challenges both Cheryl and James may have quietly faced.

In Grief, a Community Unites

In the midst of heartbreak, the Fowler community is doing what it does best: coming together. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. in Fowler City Park, where residents will gather to remember Cheryl and James, share memories, and find comfort in each other.

“This hurts,” said Pastor Eli Grant of the local community church. “But even in sorrow, we will not let tragedy define us. We will remember Cheryl’s kindness, James’s life, and recommit ourselves to looking out for one another.”