A tragic incident unfolded east of Seattle this week, as a 15-year-old boy stands accused of killing his parents and three siblings in their Fall City home. The shocking details emerged in a court document made public on Thursday, revealing a harrowing tale of deception and violence.
The boy, who has been charged with five counts of aggravated murder in juvenile court, allegedly attempted to shift blame onto his younger brother for the heinous crimes. However, a brave 11-year-old sister managed to escape the carnage by playing dead and alerting authorities to the true perpetrator.
According to investigators, the surviving sister disclosed that the defendant had been struggling academically and had access to their father's handgun, which he used in the shootings. She revealed that he was the only one among the siblings who knew the code to the lock box where the firearm was stored.
The victims have been identified as Sarah Humiston, 42, Mark Humiston, 43, and their children Katheryn Humiston, 7, Joshua Humiston, 9, and Benjamin Humiston, 13. The tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond.
Authorities were alerted to the gruesome scene when the defendant called 911 to falsely claim that his 13-year-old brother was responsible for the killings. A neighbor's call soon after, reporting the 11-year-old's escape and revelation, led to the swift apprehension of the accused teenager.
The 15-year-old, who waived his right to appear in court on Tuesday, is set to face legal proceedings to determine whether the case will be transferred to adult court. Despite having no prior criminal record, he now faces serious charges that have stunned those who knew the family.
Mark Humiston, a respected electrical engineer at Hargis Engineers in Seattle, was among the victims of this senseless tragedy. The company expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague and his family, highlighting his significant contributions and the impact of his untimely passing.
The community is left reeling from the devastating events that have shattered lives and left many grappling with profound grief. As the legal process unfolds, questions remain about the circumstances that led to such a horrific outcome in a quiet corner of Washington state.