Five deaths linked to family homicide near Forest Grove, suspect found dead
Authorities say a 36-year-old man suspected of killing five people at a rural home near Forest Grove died by suicide, and investigators are seeking motives.
Police identified five victims in the Forest Grove homicide: 85-year-old Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, her 60-year-old daughter Rowan Karla Kimsey, 26-year-old granddaughter Stella Jade Kimsey, 26-year-old Linsey Mae Haraldsen and her 27-year-old partner Alvin Raymond Chu. Haraldsen was a close friend of Stella Kimsey, according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspect, 36-year-old Benjamin Parker, was Stella Kimsey’s boyfriend. His body was discovered in Enumclaw, Washington, on Sunday, and officials say he died by suicide. No motive has been disclosed, and investigators plan to release further details on Tuesday.
The incident was first uncovered by the Forest Grove Fire Department during a response to a fire on Saturday morning. Responders found human remains and called law enforcement for assistance. In addition to the five fatalities, two cats and two dogs died at the scene; a third cat was injured and later euthanized.
Neighbor Paul Caprioli, who lives nearby, described the community as one where residents look out for each other, noting that the daily barking of the dogs is now absent.