Authorities have identified the five victims found dead, along with several pets, on a rural property in Oregon on Saturday. They include the girlfriend of the suspect and her family members.
The suspect, 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker, was later discovered in a car in Enumclaw, which is over 180 miles away from the scene of the crime, having apparently taken his own life. He reportedly killed three generations of his girlfriend’s family at their home in Forest Grove, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.
The victims are identified as 26-year-old Stella Jade Kimsey, her 60-year-old mother Rowan Karla Kimsey, and her 85-year-old grandmother Mary Elizabeth Kimsey. Also among those murdered are Stella’s best friend, 26-year-old Linsey Mae Haraldsen, and Haraldsen’s partner, 27-year-old Alvin Raymond Chu.
According to police, Rowan Kimsey was the owner of the property where the murders took place, which she shared with her daughter Stella and her boyfriend Parker.
In addition to the human victims, two cats and dogs were also found dead on the property. One additional cat, though injured and taken to a vet, sadly had to be euthanized.
Details regarding the circumstances of the killings and the motive behind them remain unclear. The disturbing scene was unveiled when firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on the property, which includes a home, farmland, and dense wooded areas.
In dispatch audio from responders, one firefighter mentioned the discovery of a deceased victim, leading to requests for law enforcement presence on-site due to what they described as “suspicious circumstances.” Detectives later traced Parker’s vehicle to a location behind a Safeway in Enumclaw, where he was found dead.
Enumclaw Police Chief Tim Floyd revealed that Parker’s cell phone had been tracked to the area, confirming he was still in the vicinity after entering the city.
Detectives do not believe these murders were random acts. Sheriff Caprice Massey emphasized the complexity of the crime scene, stating it’s one of the most intricate she’s encountered in her 22-year career. She reassured the community that investigators are fully committed to uncovering the details of what transpired.
Forest Grove Fire and Rescue expressed deep sorrow over the incident, recognizing the victims as part of the local community and noting the profound impact such tragedies have on everyone. They conveyed how heartbreaking it is to lose vibrant lives in such a needless manner, reminding everyone that these individuals were not just numbers but friends and neighbors.
