Content Warning: Child Harm
Alex Thompson appeared to be an ordinary individual. Born in Santa Barbara in 1981 to an artistic mother and a father who ran a small business, he developed a passion for the ocean early on, engaging in sailing, surfing, and spearfishing along the California coast. After earning a BA from San Loma University, where he was part of the National Championship surf team, he taught English in San Sebastian, Spain. Following two years of teaching and travel, he returned to Santa Barbara to pursue a master’s degree in Spanish. Motivated by his Evangelical faith, he aimed to give back to the community, founding Lovewater Surf School in 2011, a Christian surf camp that became highly regarded in the area.
Active in the local Christian surf community, a former student from the early 2010s described him as a quintessential Santa Barbara water enthusiast—cheerful and upbeat, albeit sometimes to an unsettling degree. He was known for his Evangelical beliefs and often discussed morality and faith. However, there were no indications of the horrific act he would commit in August 2021.
Thompson Flees Home
In 2017, Alex married his wife, Lisa. Celebrating their first anniversary, he expressed on Instagram that marriage provided a unique opportunity to celebrate one another. In October 2018, their son, Leo, was born at home, and Alex dedicated him to “bringing forth the sound of heaven.” Two years later, their daughter, Mia, also born at home during a thunderstorm, was described by Alex as being “handpicked by God.” The last photo he shared of his children was on July 16, 2021, depicting Leo on a surfboard with him. Just two months later, he committed an unspeakable crime against them.
On August 7th, Lisa contacted the Santa Barbara police. While preparing for a camping trip, Alex abruptly drove off in their van with both children. There had been no arguments or signs of distress in their marriage. Initially, Lisa was concerned but believed her children were safe and that Alex would return home. Tragically, she was mistaken.
As Alex did not respond to calls or texts from family, police suggested using the “Find My Phone” app, which quickly located him in Pabellon Rosita, a town in Baja California, Mexico. Surveillance footage showed him checking into a hotel the day he vanished. On August 9th, he left the hotel in the early morning hours with his son and daughter, but returned alone later that morning.
A Descent into Darkness
Despite appearing to be a devoted father, Alex had spiraled into a disturbing mindset. A federal affidavit revealed that he believed he was receiving “visions and signs” indicating that Lisa possessed “serpent DNA,” which she had supposedly passed to their children. He claimed to have been “enlightened” by QAnon conspiracy theories, feeling compelled to “save the world from monsters.”
QAnon is a notorious conspiracy theory that alleges high-profile individuals engage in heinous activities, including Satan worship and child exploitation. Adherents of this belief often interpret cryptic messages from an anonymous source known as “Q,” asserting that former President Trump remains influential behind the scenes while the 2020 election was stolen.
The Tragic Events of That Morning
When the FBI contacted their Mexican liaison, they learned that two children matching Leo and Mia’s descriptions had been found around 8 a.m. A ranch worker discovered blood outside his residence and was horrified when his dog led him to the bodies. Distressed, he promptly alerted his manager to notify the authorities.
Upon his return to the U.S. through the San Ysidro Point of Entry, Alex was pulled aside for additional screening, where blood was found on his vehicle’s registration papers, leading to his arrest. He later confessed to authorities that, lacking a car seat, he had transported his youngest child in a box. Driven by his delusions about their DNA, he had taken his children to a remote area near Rosarito, where he stabbed ten-month-old Mia multiple times, ultimately targeting her heart. Leo was attacked next, and when he did not die immediately, Alex injured his hand in the process.
After committing the act, Alex concealed the bodies and disposed of bloody clothing and the weapon in nearby locations.
Community Reactions
Lisa remains bewildered and heartbroken, expressing that she never realized Alex harbored such beliefs. A family friend remarked that she believes he simply snapped, indicating a mental break. The local Calvary Chapel, where Alex was involved, held an altar call in response to the tragedy, emphasizing the dangers of conspiracy theories. One surfer stated he would have trusted Alex with his own children, expressing disbelief at the events.
On August 11th, Alex was charged with the foreign murder of U.S. nationals, a serious offense requiring approval from the U.S. Attorney General. His arraignment was scheduled for August 31st.
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Summary
Alex Thompson, once a seemingly ordinary man and devoted father, descended into a disturbing mindset fueled by conspiracy theories, ultimately leading to the tragic murder of his two young children. His community was left in shock as they struggled to comprehend the events surrounding this unimaginable act.
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