A quintuple homicide investigation is underway in Oregon after the bodies of five people were discovered at a rural property near Forest Grove, about 30 miles west of Portland. The victims have been identified as 26-year-old Stella Jade Kimsey, her mother Rowan Karla Kimsey, 60, and her grandmother Mary Elizabeth Kimsey, 85, as well as Stella Kimsey’s best friend Linsey Mae Haraldsen, 26, and Haraldsen’s partner Alvin Raymond Chu, 27.
The suspected killer, 36-year-old Benjamin Charles Parker, who was in a relationship with Stella Kimsey, was found dead in his car in Enumclaw, Washington, on Sunday. Authorities believe Parker took his own life and have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Rowan Kimsey owned the rural property where the bodies were discovered, and that she lived there with her daughter and Parker. Two dogs and two cats were also found dead at the scene, while another cat was taken to a veterinarian but later euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.
The investigation began on Saturday after emergency crews responded to reports of a vehicle fire at the property. The bodies of the five victims were subsequently discovered, along with several animals. Authorities have not disclosed how the victims or the animals died, and have not revealed what evidence led them to identify Parker as the suspect or a possible motive for the killings.
Sheriff Caprice Massey described the crime scene as ‘extraordinary in its scale and complexity.’ The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate the deaths and has asked anyone with information about the case to contact authorities.
The discovery of the bodies was not publicly announced until Sunday, with officials explaining that they had been working to identify the victims, notify their families, and pursue an active investigation before releasing details.
