Authorities have identified the five people killed at a rural property outside Forest Grove, Oregon, putting names and family relationships to a case that investigators have described as unusually complex.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, 85; her daughter Rowan Karla Kimsey, 60; Rowan’s daughter Stella Jade Kimsey, 26; Stella’s best friend Linsey Mae Haraldsen, 26; and Haraldsen’s partner, Alvin Raymond Chu, 27.
Three generations and two close friends
Rowan Kimsey owned and lived at the property. Authorities said Stella Kimsey also lived there with her boyfriend, 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker, whom detectives identified as the suspect.
Officers in Enumclaw, Washington, later found Parker dead inside his vehicle. Investigators believe he died by suicide. The sheriff’s office said there is no continuing danger to the public, but the homicide investigation remains open and a motive has not been released.
Investigators are still reconstructing the scene
Deputies responded at 5:27 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, after firefighters answering a vehicle-fire call discovered human remains. Responders ultimately found five people dead. Two dogs and two cats were also found dead; another badly injured cat was euthanized after veterinary treatment was attempted. Livestock from the property has been rehomed.
Authorities have not publicly specified how the five victims or the animals died. Multiple local agencies, the Oregon State Police crime laboratory and federal personnel have assisted with the scene.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about the residents or their associates to call non-emergency dispatch at 503-629-0111 and reference case 50-26-11866.
Facts first. Side-eye included.
DJF separates what is confirmed from what is claimed—and tells you why this particular mess is worth your time.