Suspect in Oregon family killings found dead in Washington
Police say the 36-year-old suspect linked to a five-person homicide near Forest Grove was discovered dead in his car in Enumclaw, Washington, in an apparent suicide.
Washington County authorities identified the suspect in a five-person killing at a rural home near Forest Grove after his body was located in a vehicle in Enumclaw, Washington. The 36-year-old man, identified as Benjamin Parker, was found dead in his car, and officials said the death appears to be self-inflicted.
The investigation began early Saturday when Forest Grove fire crews responded to a reported vehicle fire on Northwest Otis Lane and discovered human remains, prompting a law-enforcement response. Detectives have not released further details about Parker’s connection to the victims, though county records show he previously lived at the property.
Sheriff’s Detective Shannon Wilde said investigators do not believe the deaths were random and are working to identify the victims and notify families. The scene, described as large and complex, involves multiple agencies, including the Washington County Major Crimes Team.
Sheriff Caprice Massey acknowledged the incident’s impact on the community, noting it is the most complex case she has encountered in her 22 years of service. Authorities continue to request information from the public, asking anyone with knowledge of who lived in the home to call the non-emergency line and reference case number 50-26-11866.