TULARE, Calif. — A home invasion ended in tragic loss for an already grieving family in California.

Surveillance video from last Thursday morning shows a burglar trying to break into a home on Berkeley Way in Tulare, California.

He apparently sees the camera, then turns and moves to another house nearby.

There, police said 30-year-old Fabian Gamez tried to enter through the back yard when he was confronted by the homeowner, 58-year-old Melissa Quinn.

Gamez attacked Quinn with a knife, then her son Raymond Garza, 38, tried to intervene and Gamez began stabbing him, detectives said.

The mother and her eldest son both died from their injuries.

“Losing them, not just one, but both at the same time, is a big hit for the family. They were our protectors and if something happened, they were the first to defend their family members,” said Michael Garza, Melissa’s second son. and Raymond’s younger brother.

He says their youngest brother heard the commotion, came out and shot the intruder.

He was able to keep the suspect from escaping until the police arrived.

There were more than six people in the house, including Melissa’s father, whom she was looking after, and Raymond’s children, aged 7, 9 and 19.

The two younger children also lost their mother in 2019 and are now dealing with the trauma of another tragedy.

“They are horrified by what my grandson had to see his father dying on the floor after being brutally stabbed by the intruder,” Michael said.

ABC Fresno affiliate KFSN found Gamez has a history of run-ins with police.

Detectives believe he canvassed the area Wednesday night.

“Detectives now believe they may have broken into the area,” explains Sgt. Rosa Moreno, of the Tulare Police Department.

Gamez pleaded not guilty Tuesday to two counts of first-degree murder and one count of aggravated burglary.

Loved ones of the victims say they will continue to fight for justice as they honor the mother and son.

“They were the center of attention at any event they would appear at. Their personalities were always bright,” Michael said.

The family is now gone with only memories and heartache.

Melissa leaves behind six grandchildren and two sons.

Raymond leaves behind his three young children. He was their only living parent.

Melissa leaves behind 6 grandchildren and two sons.

Raymond leaves behind his three young children. He was their only living parent.

The family established a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.

Gamez is due back in court next month.