In Loving Memory of Cheryl Hanoian and James McFarland Fowler, California — October 2025
It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that the community of Fowler mourns the tragic loss of 78-year-old Cheryl Hanoian and her son, 60-year-old James McFarland, who were found deceased inside their home in what authorities have determined to be a murder-suicide. The heartbreaking incident has left friends, neighbors, and loved ones in shock as they struggle to make sense of the tragedy that unfolded within a quiet residential neighborhood.
According to investigators, officers discovered the two after responding to a welfare check at the family’s home. The early findings of the investigation indicate that James McFarland is believed to have taken his own life after fatally shooting his mother, Cheryl Hanoian. Though details surrounding the circumstances remain under investigation, the devastating news has left the Fowler community grieving and searching for answers.
Those who knew Cheryl Hanoian remember her as a warm, kindhearted woman who lived her life with grace, compassion, and love for others. A beloved mother, neighbor, and friend, Cheryl was known for her gentle spirit and caring nature. She was often described as someone who radiated kindness — always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand. To her family, she was the heart of the home: nurturing, patient, and selfless. Her passing leaves a void that words can scarcely express.
James McFarland, though now at the center of this tragedy, is also remembered by those who knew him as a man who faced deep personal struggles. Friends and relatives recall his quiet demeanor, his love for his mother, and the strong bond the two shared throughout their lives. Many who knew them closely say that Cheryl and James were inseparable — their lives intertwined through years of shared love, challenges, and care.
The news of their deaths has left the Fowler community stunned, with neighbors expressing disbelief and heartbreak. “They were always together,” one neighbor shared. “You could tell how much they cared for each other. It’s just so hard to understand.”
In the wake of this tragedy, family and community members are coming together to grieve and to honor their memory. As the investigation continues, those closest to Cheryl and James ask for privacy and compassion during this incredibly painful time.
While no words can ease the depth of sorrow felt by those mourning this loss, the community holds tight to memories of Cheryl’s warmth and the enduring bond she shared with her son. Their story is a somber reminder of the silent struggles many face, and of the importance of compassion, connection, and mental health awareness.
May Cheryl Hanoian be remembered for her love and light, and may James McFarland be remembered with understanding and grace.
May both of their souls find peace, and may their loved ones find comfort and strength in the days ahead.
