A teenage boy in Washington State has been apprehended for allegedly killing five family members, including three children, in their upscale residence in Fall City, a suburb of Seattle. According to Mike Mellis, a spokesperson for the King County Sheriff’s Office, the tragic incident occurred early Monday morning.
The victims, two adults and three teenagers, were discovered shot to death inside the home. Other family members managed to hide in a bathroom and call 911, leading to the arrest of the teenage suspect on the scene. Mellis described the suspect as a high school-aged boy.
Mellis characterized the incident as a domestic violence situation involving a young man who is now in serious legal trouble. The teenager is expected to face charges of first- or second-degree murder and will likely be held at the King County Juvenile Detention Center.
Another teenager, believed to be related to the suspect, was also shot twice during the incident and was subsequently transported to a hospital in the Seattle area. Both teenagers were residents of the home where the shooting took place.
The authorities were alerted to the shooting by 911 calls from individuals hiding inside the home. Once the bodies were discovered, the authorities recognized the gravity of the crime scene. Sheriff Patricia Cole-Kendall expressed her deep disturbance and sadness over the killings.
According to a statement by King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, the family consisted of seven members. As of Tuesday morning, the identities of the victims had not been disclosed. Neighbors reported that a couple and their five children lived in the now cordoned-off crime scene.
Neighbors expressed shock and grief over the incident. The parents were described as private individuals, while the children were known to be friendly and helpful, often assisting neighbors with various tasks. The eldest child was approximately 15 years old.
The Snoqualmie Valley School District confirmed that at least two of the victims were of school age, although none were enrolled in district schools. The teenage suspect is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday afternoon.